How to spend the ultimate weekend in Belgrade

09.10.2024 - 15:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 9, 2024 • 9 min read

I’ve long been fascinated with the Balkans and have been exploring the region for over 15 years now. Belgrade – with its legendary nightlife, brutalist architecture and lively taverns – ticks all the right boxes for me for an ultimate (and super affordable) weekend away.

It’s taken time, but it definitely feels as though the spotlight is on the capital of Serbia – buoyed by its selection as EXPO 2027 host and a subsequent $18 billion government investment pledge in the country’s infrastructure. 

The following guide will take you on a tour of the city’s top sights, with a few of my own favorites thrown in. It’ll cover Belgrade’s rich culture and evolving gastronomy, as well as (of course) its thriving club scene. Get ready for a few late nights.

First off, some practical tips:

When to arrive: Jump straight into the action on Friday morning and fly out Monday. That’ll give you a good amount of time to hit the sights and party, with a little recovery time on the Sunday evening for those nursing a hangover from the night before.

How to get from the airport: The A1 minibus or local bus 72 run from the airport to the city center. It is a short taxi ride from the airport to the city center but be wary of expensive touts. The best option for taxis is to book via the taxi information desk near the baggage collection area where you’ll be given a receipt with your fare on it. A ride should be around 2400–2900RSD (€20–25).

Getting around town: A single ticket for the bus or tram costs about 50RSD and can be purchased from the MojKiosk stands or via SMS through the Belgrade Plus website. Unlimited BusPlus daily cards are also available on the site. Taxis are easy to flag down. Look out for ones displaying a large taxi sign on top, or consider downloading the Pink Taxi app (the city’s version of Uber) for extra convenience.

Where to stay: Townhouse 27 is a stylish boutique option on a quiet central street near Republic Sq. There are decent chains like Mama Shelter and clean and friendly hostels such as Hidden Gem.

What to pack: Casual wear works best during the day. It's wise to bring layers, and a coat is essential for the colder months. If you’re going out partying at night, bear in mind that smoking is still legal indoors for the hospitality sector, so your clothes will smell of smoke when you leave.

Morning: Check into your hotel and make a beeline for Republic Sq. This is one of the main meeting spots in Belgrade, so it’s a good central place to kick off your weekend. Head down Francuska St on foot towards the city’s hip Dorćol neighborhood for a quick caffeine fix. I like DRIP Speciality Coffee (and its resident dog), but with some of the city’s finest cafes found in Dorćol, you can take your