Here’s our Belgrade Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you make the best of it while feeling like a local
Belgrade is not only the biggest city in Serbia, but it’s also the capital. It’s located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It’s one of the biggest and most populated cities in Eastern Europe, so it’s a perfect place for a short trip! Read on for our Belgrade Anti-Tourist Guide.
How many days should I save to visit Belgrade?
If you’re in Belgrade for a few days, you’ll see all the main points of the city. If you’re into street art, you’ll probably want three days to see the city. Besides the street art, you’ll also enjoy the cafés and authentic restaurants.
What are the main highlights of Belgrade?
1. Belgrade’s Music Scene
a) Live Music in Belgrade
Belgrade’s got a ton of places to catch live music. Take Akademija 28, for example. It’s one of the many jazz bars in Belgrade, and it’s got a great vibe. Plus, it just keeps getting better every year, like a nice bottle of wine. Dorćol Platz is another solid choice for live music. It’s a spot where they organize all kinds of events. They’re great for meeting new people and there’s always live music happening.We also have Kolarac, which is one of the most famous concert halls in Belgrade and Serbia. It has great acoustics and they often have musicians performing there. It’s a great place to spend an evening listening to some great performances!
b) Balkan Style Music in Belgrade
Serbia is one of the Balkan countries, so it’s no surprise that Balkan music is huge in their capital, Belgrade. If you’re into Balkan or “gypsy” music, Crni Panter is the place to be. This spot on Ada Ciganlija is all about authentic Balkan-style music. For folk music, check out Huahua splav, and for a diverse musical experience with a great atmosphere, head to Reka.
c) Clubbing in Belgrade
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, has tons of clubs and discos. The Bank Club is one of the most famous. It’s the newest nightclub in Belgrade and the first premium RnB club in Eastern Europe. It’s an exclusive club with famous DJs from all over. Another very famous club in Belgrade is Hype. This place is all about the music, with an emphasis on electronic beats. The vibe is awesome, with top-notch lighting and sound systems.If you’re into R&B, don’t miss Money Club. It’s got a great atmosphere and a cool interior where you can dance the night away. It’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in Belgrade.
2. Where to eat in Belgrade
If you’re looking for the perfect answer to this question, then Skadarlija is the place to be. It’s a vintage street in a charming neighborhood in Belgrade’s old town. It got a lot of old-world charm, and the architecture is gorgeous. It’s also the second most visited tourist attraction in Belgrade, so it’s definitely worth a visit. Ima Dana is a restaurant right in the heart of Belgrade, in the Bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. It’s got a very traditional interior and vibe, which you’ll notice as soon as you step in. A lot of famous people used to come here to eat, which is also why this restaurant is still famous in Belgrade. They serve traditional Serbian cuisine just as Tri Sesira. Tri Sesira means “three hats” and is another famous traditional Serbian restaurant in Skadarlija. This place has been around for over 150 years and is already famous for its service and food, even outside of Serbia. I think that’s pretty enough said. You’ll find traditional, authentic Serbian food like some fish dishes, roasted meat, and local specialties.
3. What to see in Belgrade
a) Street art of Belgrade
A couple years back, “Waterfront” was the place to be to see a lot of street art on the streets of Belgrade. Unfortunately, they started construction there a couple years ago, which makes “Waterfront” a construction site now. But there are still some neighborhoods in Belgrade where you can find amazing street art.
Savamala
There are a lot of different artists who did street art or graffiti in the Savamala neighborhood, but a lot of people like INK the most. He did a lot of street art, especially in Savamala. People also love Savamala because of its realistic vibe, which is different from the futuristic vibe you find in other parts of the city.
Dorcol
It’s not just the new spot for bars and clubs, it’s also a great place to find street art. Another perk is that it’s right next to Skadarlija, which has tons of restaurants and bars. The street art is a mix of government projects to make the streets more fun and spontaneous graffiti.
Brankov bridge & Red cross
If you’re heading towards the Savamala neighborhood, you’ll pass by a really well-known piece by Blu near the Brankov bridge. There are also several colorful pieces along the way, including ones near the Red Cross and the Cross restaurant.
b) Island in Belgrade
Ada Ciganlija, also called Ada, is an island in the middle of Belgrade that was made by people. It’s in the Sava River, and they’ve turned it into a place for people to have fun. There are beaches, sports facilities, and other things. It’s a special island in the middle of a capital, and it’s perfect to visit during the hot summer months.
c) Avala Tower
The Avala Tower is pretty much visible from anywhere in Belgrade, as it’s 204.68 meters tall. It’s located on Mount Avala and was finished in 1965, but unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1999 during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. It reopened in 2010, though, and is a great spot for a good view of the city.
4. Alternative places in Belgrade
Belgrade has a lot of hidden gems, and it’s up to you to discover them. World Travelers Club is an absolute must if you want to find some hidden gems in Belgrade.It’s a real hidden bar in the heart of the city, in a resident flat, in a quiet place where you can get away from all the city bustle. Ljubičica is another hidden bar in Belgrade. You’ll need to ring the doorbell and go down into the basement, but if you don’t know about it, it’s pretty much impossible to find. And if you’re looking for something more natural, check out Jevremovac, a botanical garden in the city center with over 1,000 plant species. It’s a great place to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Don’t know where to stay? Our friends at the Arbarka Floating Hostel are the place to go for great vibes, warm staff and great beds.
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