Travel, Europe, Serbia

A Weekend in Belgrade: How to Explore Serbia’s Capital Like a Local (2025 Guide)

Photo of author

By Admin

Spend a weekend in Belgrade like a local with this 2025 guide. Discover hidden gems, eat delicious food, and dance on the Danube in Serbia’s lively capital.

Belgrade is where gritty charm meets riverside relaxation—and if you know where to look, the city reveals its soul.
With a history older than Rome, a party scene that never sleeps, and cafés that practically demand you slow down and soak it all in, Belgrade is Europe’s unsung hero. Whether you’re sipping rakija in a cobblestone alley, watching the sunset over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, or dancing until sunrise on a floating barge, one weekend in Belgrade is enough to get hooked.

If you’re planning your Belgrade itinerary for 2025, here’s how to make the most of two unforgettable days in Serbia’s capital—just like a local.

🗓️ Day 1: History, Bohemia & Belgrade Nights

Morning: Kalemegdan Fortress and the Danube View

Start your day at Kalemegdan Fortress, the historic heart of Belgrade, perched high above the rivers. Walk along the ancient walls, soak in panoramic views where the Sava meets the Danube, and feel the layers of history—from Roman remains to Ottoman influences.

Inside Kalemegdan, don’t miss:

  • The Victor Monument (Pobednik), Belgrade’s iconic symbol
  • The Military Museum, which surprisingly includes tanks in the park
  • Hidden benches facing the river for a perfect morning coffee break

Local tip: Buy a coffee-to-go from Koffein on Knez Mihailova Street and bring it into the park for a peaceful start to your adventure.

Midday: Republic Square and Knez Mihailova

Stroll down from Kalemegdan to Republic Square, Belgrade’s central meeting point. Locals say “let’s meet at the horse,” referring to the statue of Prince Mihailo.

From there, wander Knez Mihailova, the city’s bustling pedestrian zone. It’s packed with:

  • Street musicians
  • Serbian bookstores and souvenir shops
  • Local boutiques like Supermarket Concept Store

Quick lunch idea:
Grab a plate of ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) with ajvar (red pepper spread) and fresh bread at Walter Sarajevski Ćevap—a beloved local spot with no frills, just flavor.

Afternoon: Explore Bohemian Skadarlija

Time to slow things down in Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter. Cobblestone streets, old taverns, and murals make this neighborhood feel like a living time capsule of Serbian soul.

Sit down at Tri Šešira (Three Hats)—an iconic kafana (traditional tavern)—and order:

  • A cold špricer (white wine and sparkling water)
  • A hearty portion of sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls)
  • Live traditional music? Usually included.

Wander around Skadarlija’s side alleys to find galleries, antique shops, and lesser-known murals that give the area its unique character.

Evening: Dance on the Danube (Splavovi Nightlife)

As night falls, Belgrade transforms.

Make your way to the splavovi—floating river clubs along the Sava and Danube. These barges are legendary for wild parties, but there’s something for every mood:

  • Freestyler or Hot Mess for full-on clubbing
  • Lasta for a more upscale DJ vibe
  • Blaywatch for a retro Serbian dance experience

If you prefer chill riverside cocktails, try Šlep or Kartel with chill beats and river breeze vibes.

Insider tip: Dress stylish-casual. Locals don’t skimp on going-out outfits—even for the river.

🗓️ Day 2: Riverside Walks, Culture & Epic Views

Morning: Zemun & the Riverside Promenade

On your second day, head out to Zemun, a charming old town that feels like a small village tucked into the big city.

Walk along the Zemun Quay, dotted with floating cafés, boats, and relaxed bikers and joggers. It’s the perfect contrast to central Belgrade’s buzz.

For breakfast, locals love:

  • Ćiribu Ćiriba – cozy spot with killer omelets and pastries
  • Reka Café – riverside terrace with traditional vibes

Wander through Zemun Market for fresh fruit and snacks, then take a slow hike up to the Gardoš Tower.

Midday: Gardoš Tower & Panoramic Belgrade

Gardoš Tower offers 360-degree views of Belgrade, the rivers, and the rooftops of Zemun. For just a few euros, you can climb the spiral staircase and snap postcard-worthy photos.

Nearby, stop at Café Gardoš for a mid-walk espresso with one of the city’s best vantage points.

Afternoon: Belgrade Street Art Tour & Tesla Magic

Back in the city center, it’s time to explore Belgrade’s urban art side.

Join a Belgrade Street Art Tour or explore on your own:

  • Savamala district is your best bet—gritty warehouses, art studios, and jaw-dropping murals
  • Look for the famous “La Santa de Belgrado” and Tesla mural on Dorćol walls

Next, step into science at the Nikola Tesla Museum. It’s small but packed with interactive exhibits and original documents. Learn how the Serbian-born genius shaped the modern world—and see Tesla’s ashes, kept in a glowing orb.

Pro tip: Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends.

Evening: Sunset, Dinner & One Last Toast

Cap off your weekend with a dinner that fuses tradition and style.

🌅 Best Sunset Spots in Belgrade:

  • Kalemegdan again, if you want to see the sun melt into the rivers
  • Skyline Rooftop Bar or Mama Shelter for views with cocktails
  • Gardoš Tower terrace, if you’re still in Zemun

🍽️ Dinner Like a Local:

Try Ambar, a modern Balkan restaurant on Beton Hala with a small-plates concept. Perfect for trying a bit of everything:

  • Kajmak (creamy cheese spread)
  • Grilled meats
  • Rakija flights to toast your trip

Alternatively, Dva Jelena in Skadarlija is perfect for old-school vibes, traditional dishes, and sometimes even tamburica bands.

🍽️ Cafés, Snacks & Sweet Stops You’ll Love

  • Kafeterija Magazin 1907 – spacious café with craft coffee, great for remote workers
  • Coffee Dream – a local chain with solid espresso and cozy nooks
  • Mandarina Cake Shop – chic patisserie with some of the best cakes in the Balkans
  • Poslastičarnica Orijent – old-school Serbian dessert shop (try the tulumba!)

🏨 Where to Stay in Belgrade (Like a Local)

1. Dorćol
Hip and historic. Near Kalemegdan, packed with local bars and cafés. Great for first-time visitors.

2. Savamala
Trendy and artsy. Close to nightlife and street art. Ideal for urban explorers.

3. Vračar
Quiet and residential. Home to the enormous Saint Sava Temple and excellent bakeries.

4. Zemun
Best for a peaceful stay near the river. Feels like a city within a city.

Accommodation tip: Check out Hotel Indigo, Mama Shelter, or boutique Airbnbs in Dorćol for stylish stays with a local feel.

🔎 Hidden Corners Locals Love

  • Botanical Garden Jevremovac – lush and quiet, especially in spring
  • Stube Svetog Petra (St. Peter’s Stairs) – secret stone staircase in Zemun
  • Cetinjska Street – a cool nightlife spot filled with dive bars and indie clubs
  • Booka Bookstore – cozy hangout spot with Serbian and international books
  • Beton Hala – riverside promenade with restaurants and people-watching gold

✈️ Final Thoughts: Your Belgrade Itinerary for 2025

Belgrade may not be on everyone’s radar yet, but that’s exactly what makes it magical. It’s raw, real, and constantly evolving. From the echoing walls of Kalemegdan to the music thumping from splavovi on the Danube, this city has rhythm—and you’ll find yours somewhere between a plate of ćevapi and a midnight toast of rakija.

If you’re looking to spend a weekend in Belgrade in 2025, this itinerary will help you experience it like someone who’s always belonged here. So pack your curiosity (and maybe your party shoes) and get ready to explore the beating heart of the Balkans.

You May Also Like: More European Hidden Gems

🇷🇸 Serbia’s Surprising Charms
🇷🇴 Romania’s Fairytale Adventures
🇵🇹 Portugal’s Enchanting Discoveries
🇵🇱 Poland’s Hidden Treasures
🇳🇴 Norway’s Natural Wonders
🇲🇰 North Macedonia’s Rising Stars
🇳🇱 Netherlands’ Urban & Floral Wonders
🇲🇨 Monaco’s Glamorous Getaways
🇲🇩 Moldova’s Emerging Charms
🇲🇹 Malta’s Mediterranean Magic
🇱🇺 Luxembourg’s Compact Wonders
🇮🇹 Italy Travel Inspiration
🌍 Underrated European Destinations:

Why Serbia Should Be on Your Bucket List in 2025: 10 Experiences You’ll Never Forget

Nature & Castles: 7 Epic Day Trips from Belgrade You’ll Love in 2025