With an exuberant spirit, a fascinating mix of cultures and a history that dates back thousands of years, Belgrade holidays make an ideal destination.
Whether you’re looking to explore its rich heritage, throw yourself into its renowned nightlife or just relax by the riverside, there’s a wealth of things to see and do in Serbia's eclectic and surprising capital.
Also known as the White City, Belgrade is a lively wonderland of distinct neighbourhoods, where austere concrete architecture from the Soviet era is juxtaposed with bohemian boutiques and artisan coffee shops.
The city’s long history is explored in its numerous museums, while the impressive and imposing Belgrade Fortress stands at the confluence of the Sava river into the Danube and commands stunning views.
Browse Etihad’s Belgrade holiday packages to start your adventure in one of Eastern Europe's oldest and yet most innovative cities.
Belgrade’s wealth of attractions make it an ideal holiday location, whether for a family trip, relaxing long weekend or fun-filled getaway with friends.
The best way to immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating history is by touring its excellent museums. The recently renovated National Museum boasts three floors of exhibition space and a trove of archaeological treasures.
The Museum of Yugoslavia is home to over 200,000 invaluable artefacts. Art lovers should make a beeline for the Museum of Contemporary Art, while science buffs will love the Nikola Tesla Museum and its interactive exhibits – perfect for children.
Stationed on top of a hill where the Danube and Sava rivers converge, no Belgrade package would be complete without visiting its fortress.
Also called Kalemegdan, its tumultuous history dates back to the second century and it has been destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions down the years.
Take your time to fully explore its grounds – climb the Clock Tower, peer down the Roman Well, admire the view across the water and catch a stunning sunset from the surrounding park.
This mountain to the south of Belgrade makes for a great picnic spot, providing the perfect contrast to the urban centre. It’s home to the city’s landmark broadcasting tower – the tallest tower in the Balkans – and views from the observation deck are something to behold.
It was rebuilt in 2009 with help from the likes of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic – lookout for his prints in the cement here.
Mount Avala is also home to the imposing Monument to the Unknown Hero, which honours Serbian victims of the First World War.
Belgrade is a truly coffee-obsessed city, and its caffeine culture is centuries old. What began with dark, strong, traditional Turkish coffee has since blossomed into a much more diverse cafe scene that will satisfy even the most hardcore coffee aficionados.
Take a seat at one of the city’s many coffee shops, such as those which line the cobbled streets in Dorćol’s bohemian Skadarlija district. Then sit back and watch the world go by as you sip a coffee that’s been expertly brewed from locally roasted beans.
As the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans – and the second-largest in the world – it's no surprise that the temple of Saint Sava dominates the Belgrade skyline.
Its stunning white marble facade – complete with bell towers and soaring domes topped with gold-plated crosses – draws the eye wherever you are in the city.
Be sure to visit the striking crypt beneath the church, adorned with gold ceilings, ornate chandeliers and glass mosaics.
The area around Republic Square in Belgrade Old Town – Stari Grad in Serbian – is a popular place to stay on a holiday to Belgrade if you want to be at the centre of everything.
It puts you within walking distance of most of the city’s major tourist spots, countless restaurants, cafes and shops. Consider the Belgrade Art Hotel, mere steps away and housed in a splendid Art Deco building.
For a quieter stay, the neighbourhood of Zemun on the banks of the River Danube is a great choice.
Charming and peaceful, it’s ideal for family holidays in Belgrade as it’s slightly removed from the city’s hectic nightlife.
Yet it still provides easy access to all the main attractions and is also home to some of the city's very best restaurants.
Located next to the River Sava, Savamala is an up-and-coming neighbourhood known for being a hub of creativity and a hotspot for nightlife.
Full of street art, converted warehouses, new restaurants, comedy venues and nightclubs, there's never a dull moment here. This makes it the perfect base for a fun-filled city break in Belgrade.
The local currency in Belgrade is the Serbian dinar (RSD). ATMs are commonplace and major credit cards are generally accepted.
The language spoken in Belgrade is Serbian, although many other languages, such as English, Hungarian and Croatian, are also used.
Belgrade has good transport systems, with buses, trams and trolleybuses trundling around the city. Rechargeable BusPlus cards and unlimited one, three and five-day passes are available.
Serbia observes several public holidays, notably Armistice Day on 11 November and two days – called National Day – on 15 and 16 January.
As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade’s history spans the ages. Over the centuries, numerous wars have been fought here and each successive regime has left its indelible mark, as the city’s museums, replete with relics from these battles, testify.
The Belgrade Fortress serves as a striking reminder of the city’s tumultuous past, along with the seemingly chaotic juxtaposition of the differing architectural styles of surrounding streets. Belgrade is a beguiling city which reveals more of its secrets the more time you spend unlocking its charms – it’s perfect for a family holiday or city break.
It's no secret that Belgrade loves to party and the city more than lives up to its reputation as a hub of vibrant nightlife. From underground nightclubs to diverse live music venues, from rooftop bars to comedy clubs and late-night coffee shops, the variety on offer is perfect for night owls and those who want to get a sense of the ‘real’ Belgrade.
Try visiting a traditional Serbian tavern, known as a kafana – they’ve been at the centre of Serbian social life for decades. During summer breaks in Belgrade, you can take to the river on a splavovi – moored boat – to dance the night away on the water.
Belgrade is located on the banks of not one but two rivers: the famous Danube and the Sava. In the middle of the River Sava you’ll find Ada Ciganlija, an artificial island that allows you to get your beach fix in this landlocked city.
As well as swimming, visitors can enjoy a host of sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball and even bungee jumping – or just relax on the spotless sands. The island’s mid-river location keeps the temperature cooler than in the city centre, making it the ideal escape if the summer heat really scales the heights.
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