How to spend 3 days in Belgrade? A Perfect 3-day Itinerary

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city known for its great nightlife scene and incredible cafes. But Belgrade also has a very important past and still holds so much history within its museums and buildings.

If this will be your first time visiting Belgrade, 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in the city to give you a chance to see some of the best attractions in town. Being one of the most important cities in the Balkans, you could easily spend more time if you have flexibility and still find other incredible things to do.

I am currently living in Novi Sad and have visited Belgrade a bunch of times for both business and leisure. To help you see the best of what this city has to offer, I’ve decided to create a perfect Belgrade 3-day itinerary and help you plan an unforgettable trip. So, let’s get started!

How to spend 3 days in Belgrade

The capital of Serbia offers tons of tourist attractions and activities that will easily keep you occupied for 3 days. I personally find it a pity that many tourists visit Belgrade in a rush and don’t get to really explore its hidden gems and incredible gastronomy.

In this 3-day Belgrade itinerary, I have included the most important attractions and also a few special spots that you will not find on an average travel itinerary. My goal is that by the end of your third day in Belgrade, you can truly say you have fully explored the city.

Day 1 in Belgrade: Explore downtown Belgrade and the Kalemegdan Fortress

Republic Square

Our first stop is Republic Square, a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists visiting Belgrade. It is a great place to sit in one of the cafes and admire the stunning architecture around you.

In the center of this massive square from the 19th century, you will find a large statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse. Erected in 1882, this beautiful monument is the work of famous Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi. 

For those who don’t know Prince Mihailo was the prince of Serbia who is famous for making agreements with neighboring countries and getting rid of Turkish control.

The National Museum of Serbia

Republic Square is where you will find the amazing National Museum of Serbia. Get ready to be blown away with one of the finest examples of Austro-Hungarian style architecture in Belgrade.

The museum was under renovation for more than 10 years. Finally, in 2018, the National Museum of Serbia opened its doors to the public.

Spread across three levels, the museum is home to items from the Paleolithic period to the 20th century and everything in between. Expect to see everything from archaeological and numismatic to historical and artistic collections.  You will probably spend an hour or two here.

Knez Mihailova Street

Our next stop on this 3-day Belgrade itinerary is the iconic Knez Mihailova Street. It stretches from the Republic Square to the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. It is, without a doubt, the most popular pedestrian street in the city.

You will notice that the street is lined with beautiful buildings showcasing gorgeous art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architecture. If you wish to go on a shopping spree, the pedestrian Knez Mihailova Street is home to world-famous brands like H&M, Zara, Benetton, and many other world-famous brands.

For a cup of coffee, I recommend paying a visit to Costa Coffee and Coffee Dream. Wine lovers can check out the famous Mix Vine Bar and Vine shop. In case you get hungry, book a table at Snezana restaurant and enjoy their delicious pasta and meat dishes.

Knez Mihailova is also home to several cultural institutions such as the Belgrade City Library, Zepter Museum, and the Gallery of the Cultural Center of Belgrade.

Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress

Located just a short walk from Knez Mihailova, Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress are two of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. 

This huge complex of buildings and parks dates back to 279 BC. Here, you will find the impressive Military Museum, as well as the Pobednik Monument. If you are interested in war artifacts like I am, the Military Museum and its collection of helmets, crossbows, Roman swords, and daggers is a cool place to visit.

Some of the other attractions at Kalemegdan include the Roman Well and the Great Gunpowder Warehouse. For breathtaking views, visit the Great Kalemegdan Staircase for panoramic river views. 

My favorite place at Kalemegdan is Ružica Church, one of the oldest churches in Belgrade. It is a popular spot for weddings. An interesting fact is that this church was used as a gunpowder storage facility during the 18th century. 

You will need at least 4 hours to visit Kalemegdan and all of its attractions.

Pro tip: The Fortress is a great place to watch the sunset. Go for a drink at Boho Bar while you wait.

Savamala

In the evening, make your way from Kalemegdan to the river where you will find the Savamala area. It is home to the legendary Beton Hala, a former industrial building that is nowadays home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Belgrade. 

For a memorable dining experience, have dinner at Comunale Restaurant, Ambar Restaurant, or Toro Latin Gastrobar.  If you wish to dance the night away, go to Gotic nightclub.

Day 2 in Belgrade: Visit the Church of Saint Sava and other important landmarks

Church of Saint Sava

Day 2 of our Belgrade 3-day itinerary begins in front of the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. 

Welcome to the Church of Saint Sava, the most important place of worship in the country. The temple is impressive both from the inside and from the outside. Dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Sveti Sava it is beloved by the locals.

From the outside, admire the beauty of white marble and granite with a 70-meter-high dome. Once you step inside the church, you will find everything from beautiful frescoes and ornate chandeliers to altars and a gold-ceilinged crypt. In the evening, the temple is lit up and looks spectacular.

Pro tip: Visiting the Church of Saint Sava is entirely free of charge! Check out this and other free things to do in Belgrade.

The National Library

Located right next to the temple, the National Library is the oldest library in Serbia. It is situated inside a contemporary building and divided into administrative and public areas. The modern and minimalistic design of the building looks fabulous.

Step inside the library to find manuscripts, Serbian books from the 18th and 19th centuries, and printed books in foreign languages. If you wish to read a book, there is a nice reading area. The library also offers various artistic and cultural programs.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Next on our list is a place dedicated to one of the most influential scientists in the world. Located just a 10-minute from the Saint Sava Temple, the Nikola Tesla Museum is the most interesting museum in Belgrade.

There are more than 1.200 exhibits on display at the museum ranging from lectures and writings to patents. Guided tours are held in both Serbian and English and last for about 45 minutes. The professional guides will tell you unique stories about the scientist and show you the authentic working models of the machines.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to see Tesla’s personal items and artifacts. Single tickets for the guided tour cost around 7 euros. Keep in mind that the museum does not accept credit cards.

St Mark’s Orthodox Cathedral

On your way back towards the downtown area of Belgrade, there are a few spots worth visiting. 

First, make your way to St Mark’s Cathedral, a beautiful orthodox church made of stone on the outside. Make sure to go inside as the cathedral is beautiful! St Marks is located in Tašmajdan Park, which is a lovely spot for an afternoon coffee or snack.

You can also check out the Church of the Holy Trinity, a small Russian Church located behind St Mark’s. This church was meant for Russian emigrants who arrived in Serbia escaping the October Revolution in 1920. 

From there, you can walk in front of the Serbian Parliament building, and the new and the old Presidential Palaces (which are two incredible buildings that face each other).

Hotel Moskva

The legendary Hotel Moskva is situated in a Russian palace built in the early 1900s. An interesting fact is that originally, the hotel only had around 40 rooms. It was owned by the Russian Empire and later by the Gestapo. 

After the war, the hotel was nationalized and privatized again in the early 2000s. The list of important guests at Hotel Moskva is also very impressive and includes people like Robert De Niro, Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi, and many others.

Hotel Moskva is still fully functional and you can book a stay here if you want.

Another interesting spot is Hotel Jugoslavija, which was one of the most glamorous places to stay in Belgrade. A list of former guests is truly impressive and includes Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Pro tip: If you are up for an evening drink, stop at Samo Pivo and try their amazing selection of craft beers. The bar has a great laidback atmosphere and is perfect for a late afternoon pause after walking all day.

Skadarlija

No visit to Belgrade is complete without spending a few hours at the cool and eclectic Bohemian Quarter, Skadarlija. It is an ideal place to relax, enjoy authentic Serbian cuisine, and listen to live music.

For more than a century, this picturesque cobblestone street has been known for its nightlife and Serbian taverns (called kafanas). It was originally home to artists who were hired to work for the National Theater back in the 19th century. Nowadays, Skadarlija is one of the most visited streets in Belgrade.

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants on this street including places like Sesir Moj, Dva Jelena, and Tri Sesira. Make sure to try local delicacies such as kajmak, cevapi, and pljeskavica.

Cetijnska

In the evening, I suggest spending a few hours in Cetinjska. Located just a short walk from Skadarlija, Cetinjska is a great place to visit at night. What once used to be just an old parking lot is nowadays one of the best nightlife areas in Belgrade.

Whether you wish to visit a vinyl shop, grab drinks at popular bars like Berlin Monroe, Kafe Bar 16, and Dvoristance, or enjoy some tasty southern BBQ cuisine at the Holy Smokes Texas Bar, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Cetinjska Street.

Day 3 in Belgrade: Zemun & Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

Zemun

Once a border town located between the Austrian and the Ottoman Empire, Zemun is different from the rest of Belgrade in terms of architecture with lots of Austro-Hungarian influences.

Go to the 1km long promenade called Zemunski Kej for a relaxing walk. There are lots of cool waterfront cafes along the promenade where you can sit down for a refreshing drink and enjoy river views.

Zemun’s Old Town with its narrow streets lined with picturesque houses with red rooftops is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgrade. Soak in the bohemian atmosphere and have lunch in one of the many restaurants, taverns, and cafes with cute patios and terraces.

The most famous tourist attraction in Zemun is the Gardoš Tower. Snap a photo in front of this impressive red-brick tower from the 19th century. The tower is home to a small gallery that hosts regular exhibitions. Nature lovers can go for a stroll in the beautiful Zemun Park.

Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

Hop on a bus to reach New Belgrade, a district located on the left bank of the Sava River. Many of the locals prefer living in New Belgrade than in the downtown area. 

This part of the city has been developing a lot lately. Some of the biggest companies in Belgrade have offices in this part of the city and it’s much easier and faster to go on a day trip to Novi Sad from New Belgrade.

Novi Beograd is also a great place to admire the beauty of socialist architecture. I recommend visiting “Blokovi”, a large housing project that started right after WW2.  These residential blocks with enormous grey concrete buildings showcase some of the finest examples of socialist architecture in Belgrade. To see some cool graffiti and murals, go to the vibrant Block 45.

New Belgrade has a few attractions of its own such as the Genex Tower. Also known as the Western City Gate, this unusual skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the Balkan Peninsula. There is also the Stark Arena, a modern multipurpose venue for sports, culture, entertainment, exhibitions, and other events. 

Some of the other tourist attractions worth visiting in New Belgrade include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Park of Friendship, the Block 44 food market, the Usce shopping mall and Delta City for shopping, and the Church of St. Demetrius.

Museum of Contemporary Art & the splavovi

Instead of taking the bus back to downtown Belgrade, you can walk through the Danube promenade instead.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a beautiful and unique building located right by the river. Even if you will not be going inside, it is worth checking it out.

Right at the front of the museum, you can see the splavovi, the floating bars and nightclubs that make the nightlife scene in Belgrade so famous. You can walk around and check them out during the day, but it is only at night that this area really comes to life.

If you are interested in experiencing Belgrade’s night scene, I definitely recommend coming here one evening.

Have more time? Other things you can see in Belgrade

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Belgrade, there are more things you can add to your itinerary. Here are a few suggestions:

• Museum of Yugoslavia: A very rich museum that features incredible history from the Yugoslavian times and Tito’s grave. Make sure you check the opening dates and times before going there since the museum is quite out of the way. I recommend taking a bus or taxi.
• Ada Ciganlija: Belgrade’s most popular city beach. This place is extremely popular during the summer months and it is worth checking out if you want to see where the locals hang out.

Best day trips from Belgrade

You can also enrich your Belgrade travel itinerary by visiting destinations nearby. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Belgrade:

• Novi Sad: the second largest city in Belgrade
• Sremski Karlovci: explore the famous wines of Serbia
• Tara National Park

What is the best time to visit Belgrade

I think that the best time to visit the capital of Serbia is in spring and early autumn (April through mid-June and September through October). 

During this time of year, the weather is warm, but not too hot. It is also very dry with temperatures ranging from 18 to 26°C.

Summers in Belgrade are hot with temperatures above 30°C. If you like snowy weather and don’t mind the cold, you can always visit Belgrade in December, January, and February and enjoy holiday events and festivities.

Read also: Where to go in Serbia during winter

How many days should I spend in Belgrade?

The ideal length of time to explore the capital of Serbia really depends on your interests and preferences. If you only wish to see the downtown area of Belgrade and visit the most important historical sites and tourist attractions, you can easily do it all in one day.

But you will be missing out on a lot if you only check out the downtown Belgrade area.

If you really want to experience the city, I recommend staying for 2-3 nights in Belgrade. Having 3 full days in the city is ideal so you can explore the different sides of Belgrade on foot.

Read also: How many days do you need on a trip to Serbia?

Where to stay in Belgrade?

To be able to explore the city on foot, the best areas to stay are the center, Dorcol, or Savamala. Dorcol is the most alternative and bohemian zone, while Savamala is the best place to stay if you want to experience Belgrade’s nightlife scene.

Here are my personal hotel recommendations:

• Twin Apartments Belgrade: This is the apartment Fe & Edo stayed in last time they were in Belgrade and they had a great experience. The apartment’s location is great, it comfortably accommodates four people and the owner even provides parking in his private garage.
• Amsterdam Hotel: This modern hotel is located close to the main bus station, so it is very easy to get around. The facilities are great; the hotel also has a rooftop pool which can come in handy during the summer months.
• Miha Luxury Apartment: This apartment hosts up to 4 people and offers a very good combination of comfort and location. The apartment is fully furnished with everything you may need for a pleasant stay.

FAQ: Popular questions about our Belgrade 3-Day Itinerary

Do I need to use public transport for this Belgrade 3-day itinerary?

I created this 3-day Belgrade itinerary in a way that you don’t need to use public transport for the first two days. All the tourist attractions on this list are located close to each other. On day 3, you can take the bus or visit some of the attractions mentioned on foot (but be ready for a long walk).

Using the public transport system in Belgrade is quite easy, even for tourists who are not used to it. Earlier this year, the system was upgraded as it was taken over by a new company, which made it even more friendly for travelers. Read more about how the Belgrade public transport system works.

Are there any other attractions in Belgrade worth visiting that are not on this list?

Yes, there are many cool places to visit that unfortunately didn’t make it on this list. You can visit attractions such as the Avala Tower, Jevremovac Botanical Garden, and Ada Ciganlija.

Belgrade is one of those cities where you can spend weeks and still find new things to do. There are always new cafes and bars popping up around the city, and a lot of museums to explore.

Is Belgrade worth visiting?

Absolutely! Belgrade is a very interesting city and an important European capital. It holds so much history and culture that you can be entertained for days.

Belgrade is famous for its nightlife scene, but I think the gastronomy and culinary also deserve to be highlighted. I may be biased to say it, but you can find incredible restaurants in Belgrade serving local Serbian specialties, which are to die for.

Belgrade is a city that has it all. If you plan on traveling through the Balkans, Belgrade is definitely worth a visit.

If you are in doubt about where to go, here are a few guides that may help you choose:

• Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Differences of Serbia’s Largest Cities
• Belgrade or Sofia
• Belgrade or Sarajevo

Do I need a car in Belgrade?

No, you can explore the most important areas and attractions of Belgrade on foot or with public transport. In fact, having a car can be quite annoying in Belgrade as it is not very easy to find parking in the city center.

If you will be traveling with a car, I recommend booking an accommodation that offers parking. It will save you quite some headache of dealing with public parking yourself.

Read more: Driving in Serbia as a foreigner

More about traveling through Serbia

• Serbia 5-7 Days Road Trip Itinerary
• The most beautiful destinations in Serbia
• The best hiking destinations in Serbia
• Best Things to Do in Novi Sad: One-Day Itinerary
• One day in Nis
• What to Do in Kopaonik, Serbia (Winter & Summer)