What to do in Belgrade in one day?

Written by Victoria Poux

Published yesterday

Capital of Serbia, Belgrade is one of the most vibrant cities in the Balkans. Far from suffering from overtourism, Belgrade is especially appreciated by travellers exploring the Balkans without flying — whether on an Interrail journey or cycling along the Danube. The city hosts cultural events of all kinds year-round, catering to a wide audience. You're in for an unforgettable Belgrade experience! Here are our top recommendations.

Belgrade: Between Heritage and Traditions

First, a few words about the city. Belgrade’s architecture is a mix of modern buildings (like the highly controversial Belgrade Waterfront district) and older structures — some even left in ruins after being bombed by the UN in April 1999.

When it comes to traditional Serbian dishes, look out for:

• Gibanica (multi-layered filo pastry filled with cheese),
• Burek (rolled filo pastry stuffed with cheese, potato, spinach, or meat),
• Pljeskavica (a burger-like meat dish served in lepinja bread with onions and tomatoes),
• Ćevapi (grilled meat kebabs, served with lepinja bread, a creamy spread called kajmak, and onions).

How to Reach Belgrade Without Flying

1. Via Vienna by night train

• Step 1: Paris Est – Vienna Hbf (night train, approx. 15h)
• Step 2: Vienna Hbf – Belgrade by bus or carpool (approx. 7h)

2. Via Stuttgart and Zagreb

• Step 1: Paris Est – Stuttgart Hbf by TGV (approx. 3h40)
• Step 2: Stuttgart Hbf – Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor by night train (approx. 15h)
• Step 3: Zagreb – Belgrade by bus or carpool (approx. 4h30)

3. Via Germany, Austria and Hungary

• Step 1: Paris Est – Stuttgart Hbf by TGV (approx. 3h40)
• Step 2: Stuttgart Hbf – Vienna Hbf by night IC train (approx. 7h20)
• Step 3: Vienna Hbf – Budapest Keleti by train (approx. 2h40)
• Step 4: Budapest Zugló – Szeged by train (approx. 2h30)
• Step 5: Szeged – Subotica by train (approx. 1h30)
• Step 6: Subotica – Belgrade by bus or carpool (approx. 2h)

Once You’re There? Good news: since January 2025, public transport has been free throughout the city!

5 Places to Visit in Belgrade

1. Kalemegdan Fortress: Overlooking the City

A must-see when visiting Belgrade: Kalemegdan Fortress and its surrounding park. Located in the city centre, it includes museums, a dino park, a zoo, a mini train, and countless festivals and family activities. As you explore further, you’ll find towers and fortress ruins, plus a stunning view of the confluence between the Danube and Sava rivers.

Price: Free entrance to the park and fortress. Additional activities inside are paid.

The entrance to Kalemegdan Fortress - Source: Evgeny Smirnov, Unsplash

2. National Museum of Serbia

Just a short walk from Kalemegdan, head to the National Museum of Serbia. To get there, stroll down the famous Kneza Mihaila street. Spanning three floors, the museum houses a wealth of paintings and sculptures, including works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso!

Price: 300 dinars (approx. €2.56 per person)

The statue of Prince Mihajlo, in front of the National Museum of Serbia - Source: Skaars, Unsplash

3. Saint Sava Temple: The Most Beautiful in the Balkans

Next stop: the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. The golden-leaf-adorned interior is absolutely breathtaking! Don’t miss the crypt below — many visitors overlook it, but it's worth a visit. Like other sacred Catholic or Orthodox spaces, the temple hosts baptisms, communions, weddings, and funerals.

Price: Free entrance.

Temple Saint-Sava - Source : Ben Asyö, Unsplash

4. Tito’s Blue Train: A Moving Jewel

Once you've explored the city centre, take a bus to Topčider (40 minutes from Saint Sava Church) to visit Tito’s Blue Train — Plavi Voz.

This famous and luxurious train was used by General Tito to travel across the former Yugoslavia. It features 18 cars, including a meeting room, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and even the first bathtub ever installed on a train.

A key site for diplomatic events, it welcomed around 60 heads of state and travelled over 600,000 km between Serbia and abroad. The train is now rented out for special events like film shoots, exhibitions, meetings, and conferences.

Price: 300 dinars (approx. €2.56 per person)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Important: Booking is mandatory at least 48 hours in advance by calling +381 11 3616 811 or emailing prodaja@srbijavoz.rs.

5. Savamala: The Party District

Still got energy? Spend the evening in Savamala, located along the Sava River. Surrounded by floating nightclubs and bars, it’s the go-to nightlife spot for Belgraders!

A Few Restaurants to Try

Here are some of our favourite foodie picks:

• VegANGELov (vegan restaurant)
  Address: Gospodar Jovanova 42
• Avocado (restaurant with vegetarian options)
  Address: Svetozara Markovića 36
• Prana (restaurant with vegetarian options)
  Address: Hilandarska 6 or Kneginje Zorke 28
• Stara srpska kuća (traditional Serbian cuisine)
  Address: Džona Kenedija 10

Good to Know : a Serbian curiosity: smoking is still allowed indoors in many restaurants, bars, and cafés.