Best Area to Stay in Belgrade: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Searching for the best area to stay in Belgrade? Dive into my guide to discover the city’s best neighborhoods and accommodations, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family.

When it comes to places to stay in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia offers accommodation options for every taste and budget. From upscale and wealthy areas to neighborhoods that have a reputation for being rough around the edges, you will find a bit of everything here.

You can choose to stay in a neighborhood packed with socialist buildings, a bohemian quarter where cobblestone streets are lined with historic taverns, or a posh residential area with luxurious villas and mansions… and much more!

Without further ado, here is my guide to the best areas to stay in Belgrade.

Best Neighborhoods in Belgrade

To help you decide where to stay in Belgrade, I have split this guide into the different neighborhoods. I will give you a general overview of each area of the city, along with my personal recommendations for places to stay in each.

All you have to do is decide which of these Belgrade areas best fits your travel style, and book your stay!

1. City Center: Knez Mihajlova and Republic Square Area

If you wish to stay in the heart of the city, I suggest looking for accommodation in downtown Belgrade near Knez Mihajlova and the Republic Square Area. With many tourist attractions, bars, and restaurants, the center of Belgrade is the best place to stay for first-time visitors.

Surrounded by the National Museum and the National Theatre, Republic Square is the most central area in Belgrade. Travelers can also check out the vibrant Knez Mihailove pedestrian zone which is lined with shops, bookstores, bars, and restaurants.  

The only downside of staying in Downtown Belgrade is the busy traffic and lack of street parking. The good news is that most attractions in the city center are located within walking distance, so you don’t really need a car when staying here.

City Center: Things to do

• Stroll down the pedestrian street of Knez Mihailova
• Enjoy magnificent city views from the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress
• Explore the National Museum and the National Theatre

Read also: Belgrade travel itinerary

Where to stay in Belgrade’s City Center: Best Hotels

Square Nine Hotel

Square Nine Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels in Belgrade I’ve ever been to. With a collection of mid-century furniture and an award-winning spa with a pool, sauna, steam bath, and hot tub, this boutique design hotel looks absolutely fantastic.

Garni Hotel Nevski

Located just a short walk from the main pedestrian Knez Mihajlova Street, Garni Hotel Nevski is a mid-range hotel that offers a range of nicely decorated rooms and suites. Each unit is soundproofed and equipped with a mini bar, flat-screen TV, and comfortable beds. The hotel’s stylish restaurant offers the most delicious buffet breakfast. 

2. Vračar: The most comfortable area in Belgrade (especially for families!)

Located southeast of Slavija Square, Vračar is one of the most desirable areas to live in Belgrade. If you are looking for a quiet and calm atmosphere, consider staying in this lovely little neighborhood.

Vračar is one of the most expensive areas to stay in Belgrade. With luxurious houses and modern buildings, this neighborhood is home to both old money and the nouveau riche.

Honestly, there are not that many tourist attractions in this high-end neighborhood. However, the city center where you will find museums, art galleries, and historical sites is just a 10-minute drive away.

Foodies visiting Belgrade will instantly fall in love with this residential area. Some of Belgrade’s best restaurants and bars are located in Vračar. Have a memorable dining experience at establishments such as Dokolica Bistro, La Petit Bistro, and Amici.

Vračar: Things to do

• Visit the city’s iconic Church of St. Sava, the most important temple in Serbia
• Mingle with the locals and purchase local, veggies, fruit, and meats at the popular Kalenić Food Market
• Explore the Nikola Tesla Museum which is dedicated to the world-famous scientist

Where to stay in Vračar: Hotel recommendations

Hilton Belgrade

Located just a short walk from Slavija Square and St. Sava Temple, Hilton Belgrade is a luxurious hotel that offers tastefully decorated rooms. Visitors can enjoy spectacular city views from the on-site rooftop bar and relax in the spa and wellness facilities which include a Turkish bath, sauna, and a thermal bath. The hotel’s Two Kings Restaurant is a great place to sample local Serbian cuisine.  

Crystal Hotel

Book your stay at the boutique Crystal Hotel in Vračar. The rooms are spacious and clean, and have everything needed for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast buffet, order artisan cocktails from the on-site bar, or try Mediterranean and French dishes at the hotel restaurant.

3. Savamala: Best place to stay for nightlife in Belgrade

Next on my list of the best areas to stay in Belgrade is Savamala. Honestly, this place has changed a lot over the last few years and it’s not the cultural hub it once was. A bunch of bars, alternative clubs, and galleries that were opened by artists back in the 2000s are still here, but so is the newish Belgrade Waterfront complex. It seems that Savamala has not been able to avoid the modern transformation, which made it lose a bit of its unique character.

Still, Savamala is a great area to stay in if you wish to experience Belgrade’s vibrant nightlife. Some of the best nightclubs that Belgrade has to offer are located right here in Savamala. I recommend checking out the legendary KC Grad. Also, the city center is within walking distance from this area.

Savamala: Things to do

• Enjoy river views from the Sava promenade
• Dance the night away at Beton Hala
• See the new modern Belgrade district of Belgrade Waterfront

Where to stay in Savamala: Hotel recommendations

Sky Hotel

With its bright and modernly decorated rooms and elegantly furnished lounge with a cocktail bar, Sky Hotel is an excellent place to stay in Savamala. This luxury 4-star hotel has its own parking and a 24-hour reception.

Savamala Hotel

Situated inside a historic building from 1908 that used to be a warehouse, the Savamala Hotel is a boutique property known for its retro vibes. The hotel has only 11 rooms, each individually designed and fitted with modern art. The Savamala Hotel dining room with its vintage furnishings looks spectacular.

4. Dorćol: the most alternative area to stay in Belgrade

Looking for the best location to stay in Belgrade? Consider Dorćol, a charming neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe.

Located in the center of Belgrade, this area was actually an important trading place back when Belgrade was a part of the Ottoman Empire. Nowadays, Dorćol attracts artists, club-goers, writers, and creative people. Here, the tree-lined streets are dotted with artisan cocktail bars, independent art galleries, and hipster coffee shops.

Dorćol is one of the best areas to stay in Belgrade for nightlife. Walk along the bohemian Skadarlija or visit the cool bars and clubs on Cetinska Street.

Dorćol: Things to do

• Visit Dorćol Platz, a true hub of creativity
• Snap a photo in front of delightful murals
• Go on a tour of the Museum of Chocolate

Where to stay in Dorćol: Hotel recommendations

Hotel Mona Plaza

An upscale hotel with an industrial-chic restaurant and an amazing spa and wellness center, Hotel Mona Plaza in Dorćol offers stylish rooms and suites with breathtaking river views. There is a cool on-site bar that hosts live music and DJ sets.

Good People Design Hostel

Traveling on a budget? Book your stay at the fabulous Good People Design Hostel. Located on a cute tree-lined street in Dorćol, this hostel offers both female-only and mixed-gender dorms, clean shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen where you can prepare meals. The garden patio is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee.

5. New Belgrade: the most modern area of Belgrade

Cross Brankov Bridge to discover New Belgrade. For those who don’t know, New Belgrade is the largest district in the city. It is home to major businesses, a bunch of residential blocks, and numerous stylish restaurants and bars.

What I like most about New Belgrade is that it has a few attractions of its own, but is still located just a short drive or bus ride away from the downtown area. Make sure you check the Western City Gate (Genex Tower), one of the most unusual skyscrapers in the city.

There is no shortage of accommodation options in this part of Belgrade. From global brand hotels to Airbnb flats in residential buildings, there is so much to choose from.

New Belgrade: Things to do

• Spend a few hours at the Museum of Contemporary Art
• Go on a shopping spree at the legendary Ušće mall
• Catch a sports game or a concert at the Stark Arena

Where to stay in New Belgrade: Top Hotels

Joy 5 Hotel & SPA

Wish to relax in a spa and wellness center? Enjoy a hearty breakfast with the most amazing river views. Spend a few days at the fabulous Joy 5 Hotel & SPA in New Belgrade. For dinner, order one of their signature steaks and you won’t be disappointed!

Botel Charlie

Have you ever considered staying in a boat hotel? Set on the banks of the Danube River under the shade of trees in New Belgrade, Botel Charlie is a great place to spend the weekend. This floating guesthouse offers 8 tastefully decorated rooms, a communal kitchen, and breathtaking river views from its large terrace.

6. Dedinje: the most residential area of Belgrade

Welcome to Dedinje, the wealthiest of all neighborhoods in Belgrade. Packed with luxury mansions and grandiose villas, this residential area is calm and quiet.  You will find lots of parks and cute green spaces in Dedinje. It’s a great place to live in if you can afford it.  

Dedinije is also known to be a diplomatic area where you will find all the embassies. One of the downsides of staying in Dedinje is that the neighborhood is not so close to downtown Belgrade where everything is happening. To reach the city center from Dedinje, you will probably need a car.

There are almost no hotels in Dedinje because of the neighborhood’s residential nature, which makes this one of the most exclusive areas to stay In Belgrade. Instead of hotels, visitors will find boutique villas and Airbnb properties available for rent.

Dedinje: Things to do

• Pay a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia
• Admire the beauty of mansions, palaces, and villas
• Check out the Royal Palace

Where to stay in Dedinje: Best Hotels

Puzzle Apartment

This is a modern apartment located just a short drive from the highway. This air-conditioned apartment has a living room and one bedroom, so it is perfect for couples. Guests can prepare meals in the fully-equipped kitchen. If you don’t feel like cooking, a few fabulous restaurants are just a short walk away. 

Belgrade Boutique House

Not many properties in Dedinje are as beautiful as the Belgrade Boutique House. With an outdoor pool, stylish rooms, and a sauna, this boutique property has everything needed for a memorable stay in Dedinje. Wish to work out during your stay? The boutique house offers a gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Free parking is provided on-site.

7. Zemun: a very unique side of Belgrade

With a charming old town filled with Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian architecture, Zemun is much different than the other residential areas on this list. Zemun was actually the border town between the Ottoman and Austrian Empires.

Zemun feels like a different city when compared to Belgrade.

If you wish to stay outside the city center, I definitely recommend spending some time in this area. The boardwalk on the Danube River is a great place to enjoy long riverside walks. Snap a photo in front of the symbol of Zemun, the Gardoš Tower. The old part of Zemun with its trendy bars and cafes is where you want to go in the evening.

Zemun: Things to do

• Stroll along the riverside
• Visit Zemun’s National Theatre
• Go see a concert at Klub Fest

Where to stay in Zemun: Hotel recommendation

Side One Design Hotel

If you are searching for a place to stay in Zemun with an impeccable location, look no further than the beautiful Side One Design Hotel. Located right across from the tree-lined promenade and just a short walk from the Gardoš Tower, Side One Design Hotel offers 25 modern and nicely decorated rooms fitted with flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds.

What is the best area to stay in Belgrade: my personal opinion

So, what is the best area to stay in Belgrade? 

If you wish to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, I recommend staying in Savamala or Dorćol. 

Travelers who wish to explore popular tourist attractions in Belgrade will be better off staying somewhere in the downtown area (the City Center). 

If you are looking for a peaceful residential neighborhood, but want to still be close to the city center, then Vračar is where you want to be.

Belgrade has so many options of places to stay, I am sure you will find one that fits your style. If you still need help to decide the best area to stay during your trip to Belgrade, make sure to leave a comment below!

Other resources to help you plan your trip

• How many days do you need in Serbia
• Driving in Serbia as a foreigner
• The most beautiful places to visit in Serbia
• Top 8 Hiking Destinations in Serbia
• Day trip guide to Novi Sad
• Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Differences of Serbia’s Largest Cities
• Serbia Airports: Where to Fly and Which Airlines to Use
• 14 Free Things to Do in Belgrade – by a Local