Belgrade Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Trip Planning & Logistics
1. Q: Is Belgrade worth visiting? A: Absolutely! It offers history, a vibrant city atmosphere, excellent food, and some of the best nightlife in Europe.
2. Q: How many days are enough for a first-time visit to Belgrade? A: Most people suggest at least 3 days to cover the main popular spots and some hidden gems.
3. Q: When is the best time to visit Belgrade? A: Spring (March-July) and Autumn (September-December) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the summer.
4. Q: Is Belgrade an affordable destination? A: Yes, compared to many other European capital cities, Belgrade is generally very affordable for travelers.
5. Q: What is the local currency? A: The Serbian Dinar (RSD).
6. Q: Can I use Euros or other currencies? A: While Euros are sometimes accepted by taxis or smaller places, you should use Serbian Dinar for most transactions. Exchange your money locally.
7. Q: Is the tap water safe to drink in Belgrade? A: Yes, the tap water is generally considered safe to drink.
8. Q: What is the main language? A: Serbian.
9. Q: Do people in Belgrade speak English? A: Yes, a good level of English is spoken by many locals, especially younger people, service staff, and in tourist areas.
10. Q: Should I try to speak Russian or English? A: English is understood by significantly more people than Russian.
11. Q: What is the time difference (GMT)? A: Belgrade is in the UTC +1 time zone.
12. Q: What type of electric socket/plug is used? A: Type F (the standard European socket with two round pins).
13. Q: What are some good non-generic souvenirs to buy? A: Rakija (fruit brandy), local food products like ajvar and kajmak, small shops in Čumićev sokak for handmade items, or some traditional knitted table cloths.
14. Q: What is the weather like in late August? A: It can range from very hot to quite pleasant. September can also be hot or rainy and cool.
15. Q: What is the best area to stay for a tourist? A: The city center, close to Knez Mihailova Street and Republic Square, is the most practical for sightseeing.
16. Q: What’s Belgrade’s nickname? A: The White City, or Beograd (beo means white, grad means city), supposedly named after a former white fortress.
17. Q: How old is Belgrade? A: It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe, with an area inhabited since the paleolithic period (around 7,000 years ago).
Safety & Health
18. Q: Is Belgrade a safe city for tourists? A: Yes, it is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, with a very low violent crime rate.
19. Q: Is solo female travel safe in Belgrade? A: Yes, solo travelers generally find Belgrade to be very safe and welcoming.
20. Q: What is the biggest safety concern for tourists? A: Pick-pocketing, primarily in crowded areas like Knez Mihailova Street, Zeleni Venac market, and public transit.
21. Q: Are there any “no-go zones” or areas to avoid? A: No concentrated area is generally considered a no-go zone, but always use common sense, especially late at night. Some users mention avoiding the Belgrade Waterfront (“Beograd H2O”) due to crowds.
22. Q: Should I be worried about political protests? A: Protests are usually non-violent and happen in specific, often predictable, locations in the evenings. Tourists are advised to avoid the crowds and protest areas when they are active to prevent getting caught in any resulting disruption or potential police action.
23. Q: Are people welcoming to tourists from Turkey/Western countries? A: Serbs are generally very welcoming and friendly to tourists from all countries, so long as visitors are respectful.
24. Q: Are there any scams tourists should be aware of? A: Taxi scams are the most common. Be cautious of drivers at the airport or near major tourist sites who try to charge a fixed price without a meter. Only use licensed taxis (check for a ‘TX’ on the license plate) or use ride-hailing apps.
25. Q: Is smoking common in Belgrade? A: Yes, smoking is quite common, and the air quality can be an issue, especially in winter.
Getting Around
26. Q: Is public transportation in Belgrade free? A: As of early 2025, the city’s public transport (buses, trams, trolleys) is free for all passengers.
27. Q: Are there any exceptions to the free public transport? A: Yes, the Minibus express lines (E lines) and the A1 Airport Express Bus still require a ticket purchase.
28. Q: How much is the A1 Airport Express Bus ticket? A: Around 400 RSD.
29. Q: How often does the A1 bus run from the airport? A: It runs every 20 minutes to Slavija Square.
30. Q: How long is the journey from the airport to the city center? A: About 35 minutes.
31. Q: How much should a taxi from the airport to the city center cost? A: Typically between 20-30 Euros (or local Dinar equivalent). Do not let them charge you 100 Euros.
32. Q: Do I need to buy a ticket for the regular city public transport? A: No, as of 2025, regular city transport is free.
33. Q: How can I plan my public transport journey? A: Google Maps works very well for planning routes and schedules.
34. Q: Is there Uber in Belgrade? A: No, Uber is not available.
35. Q: What is the local alternative to Uber? A: CAR:GO is the popular local ride-hailing app, which is safe and allows for card payments.
36. Q: Can I walk to most tourist attractions in the city center? A: Yes, most major attractions in the Old Town are close together and easily walkable.
37. Q: Is it possible to use a credit card to pay for public transport? A: Before the free transport policy, you could buy tickets in the vehicle with a credit card, but now this is only necessary for the A1 and E lines.
38. Q: Which tram line is useful for tourists? A: Tram number 2 is great for getting around the Old Town.
39. Q: Is it easy to rent a bike in Belgrade? A: Yes, and some locals recommend biking as the best way to see the city.
Must-See Sights & Activities
40. Q: What is the number one historical sight to visit? A: Kalemegdan / Belgrade Fortress.
41. Q: What are the best views in Belgrade? A: From the Belgrade Fortress, especially the view of the Sava and Danube river confluence (where the Victor Monument is).
42. Q: What is the most famous religious building? A: Saint Sava Temple (Hram Svetog Save), one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
43. Q: What is the main pedestrian street? A: Knez Mihailova Street, full of shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
44. Q: Where is the Bohemian Quarter? A: Skadarlija, known for traditional restaurants, cobblestone streets, and live music (kafana music).
45. Q: What can I do at Ada Ciganlija? A: It’s an island on the Sava river with a large artificial lake, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, biking, kayaking, and enjoying lakeside bars and restaurants.
46. Q: Which museum is dedicated to a famous Serbian-American inventor? A: The Nikola Tesla Museum, which has interactive exhibits.
47. Q: Where can I learn about the history of the former country? A: The Museum of Yugoslavia (includes the House of Flowers, Tito’s mausoleum).
48. Q: What can I see at the Military Museum? A: Weapons, armor, tanks, and historical artifacts covering the history of nations that passed through, including relics from the 1999 NATO bombing.
49. Q: What is the central meeting point in the Old Town? A: Republic Square (Trg Republike), home to the National Museum and the National Theatre.
50. Q: Can I see the effects of the NATO bombing from 1999? A: Yes, some bombed buildings, like the former Ministry of Defence, are still standing as a visible reminder of recent history.
51. Q: Are there free walking tours? A: Yes, free walking tours are available and highly recommended as a great introduction to the city’s history.
52. Q: Where is the best place to see the sunset? A: The Belgrade Fortress, specifically near the Victor Monument.
53. Q: What is the Gardoš Tower? A: A landmark in the historic Zemun district, offering excellent views from the top.
54. Q: Where can I see an Egyptian mummy? A: The National Museum.
55. Q: Where can I find fresh produce and local market life? A: Zeleni Venac Market or Bajloni Farmers Market.
56. Q: What is the “Belgrade Underground”? A: A network of tunnels, bunkers, and Roman artifacts beneath the city, often explored via guided tours.
Food & Drink
57. Q: What are some must-try Serbian dishes? A: Pljeskavica (Serbian burger), Ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Burek (flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach), Sarma (cabbage rolls), and Pečenje (roast meat).
58. Q: Where can I find an authentic Serbian dining experience? A: In a Kafana, a traditional type of restaurant/tavern, often with live traditional music.
59. Q: What is Rakija? A: A potent, traditional fruit brandy, considered the national drink, often served as an aperitif or digestif.
60. Q: Where can I get good traditional Serbian food? A: Restaurants like Zavičaj Skadarlija, Dva Jelena, Durmitor, or Bela Reka are often recommended in forums.
61. Q: Are portions in Serbian restaurants typically large? A: Yes, tourists often note that the food portions are very generous.
62. Q: Is there a strong coffee culture? A: Yes, Belgrade has a strong coffee culture with many modern cafes and third-wave coffee shops, like Kafeterija Studentski Trg.
63. Q: Is tipping customary in Belgrade? A: Yes, tipping is expected, usually rounding up the bill or leaving 10-15% for good service.
64. Q: Where can I try the best Neapolitan-style pizza? A: Pietra and Bosiljak are popular recommendations.
65. Q: What is Kajmak? A: A creamy, dairy product similar to clotted cream, often served with meat or bread.
66. Q: Where should I go for a food tour? A: Companies like Taste Serbia offer various culinary tours.
Nightlife & Entertainment
67. Q: What is Belgrade famous for in terms of nightlife? A: It is known for having one of the best and most vibrant nightlife scenes in Europe.
68. Q: What are Splavovi? A: These are the famous floating river clubs or bars on the banks of the Sava and Danube rivers, which turn into nightclubs at night.
69. Q: Is it necessary to make a reservation for Splavovi? A: Yes, especially on weekends, as they are often packed with locals, and patrons without reservations may be turned away.
70. Q: Where are some popular nightlife areas? A: Cetinjska street, Luka (port) Beograd, and Beton Hala are packed with clubs and bars.
71. Q: What type of music is popular in Serbian clubs? A: A wide variety, from strong electronic music to unique Serbian turbo-folk.
72. Q: What is a popular bar with a funky outdoor area? A: Blaznavac is often recommended for its colorful decor and large cocktail menu.
73. Q: Can I enjoy a cultural night out? A: Yes, tickets for the National Theatre (opera, ballet, drama) are generally very affordable (starting from around €10).
74. Q: Are there any unique music experiences? A: Look for places with Gypsy jazz or traditional kafana music like BAM in Dorcol.
75. Q: What are some popular river clubs? A: Leto, River, Tag, and Ben Akiba are frequently mentioned, though the scene changes.
Practical Tips & Advice
76. Q: Should I carry cash (Dinar)? A: Yes, while cards are widely accepted, it’s essential to have small Dinar denominations for markets, small purchases, or tipping.
77. Q: Are there many Chinese businesses/casinos in Belgrade? A: Yes, there is a large Chinese population and many Chinese-owned establishments, particularly in New Belgrade and Surčin near the airport.
78. Q: Are the betting/gambling places legal? A: Gambling is legal in Serbia, and the many betting places are physical equivalents of online betting sites.
79. Q: How should I deal with taxi drivers at the airport? A: Ignore the touts and go to the official taxi station/desk inside the terminal to get a voucher with a fixed price to your destination zone.
80. Q: What should I buy for a football fan? A: A Serbian national football shirt; look for official sports shops in the city center.
81. Q: Are the prices for cigarettes cheap compared to the EU? A: Yes, cigarettes are significantly cheaper than in most EU countries.
82. Q: What are the best apps for navigating/living in Belgrade? A: Google Maps for transit, CAR:GO for taxis, and the Beograd Plus app (though less critical with free transit).
83. Q: Should I learn some Serbian phrases? A: While English is spoken, learning basic phrases like “Hello” (Zdravo), “Thank you” (Hvala), and “Please” (Molim) is always appreciated by locals.
84. Q: Are road signs in Cyrillic? A: Yes, all road signs are primarily written in the Cyrillic alphabet, so using navigation apps is helpful.
85. Q: Is Belgrade an all-seasons city? A: Yes, but winters can be cold and grey, and summers can be very hot.
86. Q: Are there any good day trips from Belgrade? A: Novi Sad (Serbia’s second-largest city, easily reachable by bus or train) and the historic town of Sremski Karlovci (known for its wineries) are popular options.
87. Q: How long does it take to get to Novi Sad? A: The high-speed Soko train or bus takes about an hour.
Culture & History Deep Dive
88. Q: What is a Kafana? A: A traditional Balkan tavern, a cultural cornerstone for eating, drinking, and listening to folk music, often a truly local experience.
89. Q: What are some famous historical sites near the city center? A: Hotel Moskva (historic building), the National Library, and St. Mark’s Church (Serbo-Byzantine style).
90. Q: What is the significance of the Pobednik (Victor) monument? A: It is a major visual symbol of Belgrade, commemorating Serbia’s victory against the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.
91. Q: What is Cetinjska Street known for? A: It’s a former industrial area transformed into an urban entertainment quarter with various bars and clubs.
92. Q: Does Belgrade have a river promenade? A: Yes, the Sava and Danube Promenades are popular for walking, running, and dining along the water, especially the Zemunski Kej (Quay of Liberation).
93. Q: Is the architecture diverse? A: Yes, Belgrade is known for its mix of architectural styles, including Mediterranean, Oriental, Central European, and Socialist-era buildings.
94. Q: Is it easy to find accommodation for different budgets? A: Yes, accommodation options range from well-priced hostels to quite luxurious hotels and apartments.
95. Q: What is the Museum of Illusions? A: A fun, interactive attraction dedicated to visual trickery, great for all ages.
96. Q: Can I visit the National Theatre on a budget? A: Yes, tickets for a show are generally very affordable, offering a great cultural experience.
97. Q: Where can I see a Japanese garden? A: Within the Jevremovac Botanical Gardens.
98. Q: Where can I see a diverse range of artworks and historical artifacts? A: The National Museum covers prehistory through the 20th century.
99. Q: How can I experience the “alternative” or “underground” vibes? A: Look for smaller, non-fancy bars in areas like Dorcol, explore alternative arts scenes, or seek out “Red Belgrade” (communist history) tours.
100. Q: What is one final piece of advice from locals? A: Be aware of your surroundings, especially with taxis, and try the local food and Rakija!