Belgrade Guide
You’ll have time in Belgrade before and after the wedding — and we hope you’ll use it. This is a city that rewards wandering: baroque cafes, Ottoman fortresses, brutalist towers, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. Here are our recommendations.
Uber does not operate in Serbia.
Download one of these apps before you arrive:
- Pink Taxi — the most popular option
- CarGo — similar to Uber, works well
Taxis are affordable by Canadian standards. A ride across central Belgrade typically costs 500–1,000 RSD ($7–14 CAD).
Buses and trams are also useful for getting around – frequent, and cover the whole city.
Public transit is currently free in Belgrade.
That said, if you’re staying in Stari Grad or Dorćol (which we recommend), most of what you’ll want to see is walkable. The old town is compact, and wandering on foot is the best way to discover it.
Kalemegdan Fortress & Park The fortress and adjacent Kalemegdan Park sit at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and are one of the city’s favorite walking and gathering spots. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset. Don’t miss the Ružica Church inside the fortress walls. The chandeliers are made from melted-down weapons.
Knez Mihailova Street Belgrade’s main pedestrian boulevard, lined with cafes, shops, and beautiful 19th-century architecture. A natural route from Republic Square to Kalemegdan. Good for people-watching, less good for serious shopping (it’s mostly international chains).
Skadarlija Belgrade’s bohemian quarter became famous at the turn of the 20th century when actors, writers, and painters moved there, and its taverns became gathering places for the city’s cultural elite. It’s often compared to Paris’s Montmartre. The cobblestone street is packed with traditional restaurants serving Serbian food accompanied by live folk music.
Church of Saint Sava One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a stunning gold-covered crypt. Even if you’re not religious, the interior is jaw-dropping.
Stari Grad (Old Town) Where most of your Belgrade time will be spent. Historic, walkable, full of cafes and restaurants. Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova, and Skadarlija are all here.
Dorćol The hipster-adjacent neighborhood north of the old town. More local, less polished. Great coffee shops, street art, and a quieter vibe. Our preferred area for morning wandering.
Savamala The formerly industrial riverfront district, now home to galleries, bars, and creative spaces. It stretches along the Sava River south of Kalemegdan. You can walk there.
Zemun Technically a separate town, now absorbed into Belgrade. It has more Austro-Hungarian influence, a charming old town with narrow streets, and a lovely boardwalk along the Danube. Worth a half-day trip.
We’ll share specific restaurant recommendations closer to the wedding, but here’s the general landscape:
Traditional Serbian Look for kafanas (traditional taverns) serving classics like ćevapi (grilled meat), pljeskavica (Serbian burger), sarma (cabbage rolls), and kajmak (creamy cheese spread). Skadarlija has the famous ones (Tri Šešira, Dva Jelena), but there are great spots throughout the city.
Modern & International Belgrade has a growing scene of contemporary restaurants. Ask us for current favorites.
Coffee Culture Serbians take coffee seriously. Expect strong Turkish-style coffee or excellent espresso. Sitting in a cafe for hours is not just acceptable — it’s encouraged.
Rakija You will be offered rakija (fruit brandy). Accept graciously. Sip slowly. It’s stronger than it tastes.
Belgrade is famous for its nightlife, and August is peak season.
Splavovi (River Clubs) Splavs are barges turned into clubs, anchored along the Sava and Danube rivers. They’ve become internationally recognized and helped Belgrade earn its reputation as one of the best nightlife cities in Europe. They offer a unique way to have fun, relax by the rivers, and escape the urban chaos of downtown.
Some are chill lounges; others are full-on clubs that go until dawn. Music ranges from house and techno to traditional Serbian folk (turbo-folk is… an experience). Dress code varies — some are casual, others expect you to look sharp.
Clubs & Bars Beyond the river, Belgrade has underground techno venues, rooftop bars, and everything in between. Savamala and Dorćol have excellent bar scenes.
Our Advice Pace yourself. Belgrade nightlife starts late (around midnight) and goes until sunrise. You don’t need to do it all in one night — and you probably shouldn’t try.
If you’re extending your stay, consider:
- Novi Sad — Serbia’s second city, an hour north. Beautiful old town, great food, and the Petrovaradin Fortress.
- Sremski Karlovci — A tiny wine town near Novi Sad. Charming streets, wine tastings, excellent lunch spots.
- Đerdap National Park — The region around Golubac. If you want more time along the Danube gorge, it’s worth exploring.