Planning a weekend trip to Belgrade? Two days is enough time to get familiar with the city and see the most important sites. Belgrade is an ideal destination for entertainment and leisure even on a quick trip. With the help of this Belgrade 2-day itinerary, I am sure you can get the most out of your city escape!
Belgrade is a vibrant and modern city with a rich cultural background. Its abundant history, many famous landmarks, and nightlife as nowhere else in Europe make it one of the favorite tourist locations in recent years. With its zestful yet relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of things to do, having a good time is guaranteed for all generations and times of the year. Let’s jump on this ultimate Belgrade 2-day itinerary!
Belgrade 2-day itinerary – Day 1
Start your first day in Old Town by visiting the most famous site in Belgrade – Kalemegdan Fortress and Park. It’s undoubtedly one of the must-do things in Belgrade, not only because of its historical meaning but also because it is one of the prettiest spots in the city!
Kalemegdan Fortress
Through the centuries of medieval history, the fortress of Belgrade held a crucial role in all these wars and the fight against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. The walls could tell the greatest stories if they could talk!
The Fortress has been demolished several times and rebuilt over and over again. For that reason, military artifacts are still kept in an open space just as a reminder of the glorious history. Some others can be found in the Military Museum located inside the Fortress.
Kalemegdan Park
Not only the past but also the surroundings is what attracts almost all visitors! Built on a cliff, Kalemegdan Fortress offers a stunning view of the confluence of two main rivers – the Sava and the Danube. Seat at some of the benches and enjoy the view before heading down the river to visit Nebojsa Tower.
Other spots worth checking out are the Victory Monument, The Roman Well, and a Clock Tower. Strolling among the tall trees in Kalemegadan Park will allow you to realize how “green” this city is.
Knez Mihailova Street
From the Park, follow the main walking path and reach the most popular street in Belgrade – Knez Mihailova.
As soon as you step on it, you will realize how charming it can be. Filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries, this one-and-a-half-kilometer-long pedestrian zone represents the beating heart of Belgrade. Inhale the vibrant energy created by the sound of street musicians, vendors selling handmade goodies, and the pedestrian chatter! If you have time visit some gallery exhibitions or grab a coffee at one of the many cafes hidden at Obilicev Venac.
Right at the south end of Knez Mihailova Street, you will find yourself at Republic Square. This important point is one of the main transportation hubs in the city, but also a monument of huge historical importance. Spomenik Narodnom Heroju and the Serbian National Museum along with several hotels are located in this wide space.
Terazije and Slavija Square
From the Monument turn right to Terazije and you will see one of the renowned hotels in the country – Hotel Moskva. The government has protected this beautiful art-nouveau building for many years. From both the gorgeous interior and exterior, you’ll have a glimpse of the former life in Yugoslavia and the luxurious life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Continue walking along Kralja Milana Street and you will reach Slavija Square. This square is another transportation connecting point and thereby one of the busiest locations in Belgrade. Here you can find the first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Eastern Europe in 1989, the famous Slavija Hotel, and several food places to grab a quick lunch.
Saint Sava’s Temple
From here it’s easy to reach our next stop at this Belgrade 2-day itinerary – St. Sava Temple. As one of the most important Orthodox churches, it is a must-visit place. Feel free to take time to admire the Temple’s interior and have a stroll outside.
Skadarlija
Is there any better way to finish your first day in Belgrade than having a delicious dinner? And a perfect place for that is Skadarlija.
The entire area has a spirit of some older, different times. It is known as the Bohemian Quarter of Belgrade. It was a place where many Serbian actors, writers, and politicians gathered together from the twentieth century. The Cobblestone streets and the sound of traditional instruments played in taverns together with people’s chatter make this place incredibly vibrant and alive. It’s quite understandable why many people compare this street with Montmartre in Paris.
Belgrade 2-day itinerary – Day 2
Ready for the next day on this Belgrade 2-day itinerary?
Parliament
Let us start our tour from the Serbian Parliament. This beautiful building is located near Terazije and opposite Pionirski Park. The surrounding area is another great sport to relax, especially in the summer. Interested in seeing the interior of the Parliament? Note that individual visits are allowed only on the first Saturday of the month. A visit includes a tour through the National Assembly House and New Palace – a seat of the President.
Tasmajdan Park
From here continue walking along the Boulevard of King Alexander and you will find our next stop on this 2-day itinerary – St. Mark Orthodox Church. This beautiful building was built in a typical servo-byzantine style and is one of the most important Orthodox churches in the country. Rising above the lush trees in Tasmajdan Park offers a peaceful escape from the city hustle and bustle.
Museums in Belgrade
Our next stop is just hundreds of meters away – the Museum of Nicola Tesla. This science museum includes displays of the life and work of Nicola Tesla. Even if you are not into science, it’s interesting to see the patents and discoveries of this great mind, and some of them involve direct visitor interaction.
House of Flowers, Tito’s tomb and final resting place, and the Museum of Yugoslav History are other museums in Belgrade worth checking out. If you have time, of course!
King Alexander I Boulevard
Let’s head straight to Vukov Monument and Park! Vuk Karadzic was the most important Serbian scholar thereby many universities and Faculties can be found around the monument. Grab a coffee in some of the cafes scattered around the park and enjoy your well-deserved break!
Ada Ciganlija – a perfect summer location
Got your breath? Then take a tram or bus and you will reach the favorite place of Belgrade people – Ada Ciganlija. This man-made island includes beaches on both sides of the Sava River. It is frequently called “Belgrade’s Sea” for a reason! Many people find rescue from the summer heat in the nearby greeneries or many cafes and restaurants scattered along.
It is an ideal place when traveling with kids because many sports activities and sorts of entertainment can be enjoyed here. Summer is the best time to spend time here, but a stroll along the river can be amazing even during the colder months!
Zemun and Novi Beograd
From Ada Lake, you can continue to Zemun and New Belgrade –the two newest neighborhoods in Belgrade. The Gardos Tower, Zemun Market, and Millennium Tower are a few of the must-see attractions in Zemun.
Belgrade Waterfront – an ideal relaxation spot!
A pleasant way to spend an afternoon is at Belgrade Waterfront. This building complex located on the right side of the Sava River is the recent building project that some call a “mini Dubai”. This is due to a large Arab money investment, plus the architecture is very similar to the skyscrapers in Dubai!
A long stroll along the Sava Promenade under the Brankov’s Bridge will get you to a Beton Hala. This unique and posh place offers a bunch of excellent restaurants as well as rich nightlife, especially on weekends. What is a better environment to have a delicious meal than by the water enjoying the sunset?
Savamala – Let’s get this party started!
Beton Hala is a part of the larger industrial area in Belgrade – Savamala. This former industrial area has turned into a modern area, a favorite among the alternative and hipster scene. Among the old facades with Baroque and Art Nouveau, there are a lot of cool cultural facilities, and numerous clubs, restaurants, and bars at this location today.
How about finishing this Belgrade 2-day itinerary trip by going to a club or a bar?
A trip to Belgrade would not be complete if not try out Belgrade’s nightlife and famous “floating clubs”. Many are located in Savamala, and others around Kalemegdan, Palilula, and Dorcol.
How many days in Belgrade are enough?
I always recommend sparing at least 4 to 5 days to experience the complete atmosphere of the city. A side trip to Nis or Novi Sad would be a valuable experience when traveling through Serbia! Two days are, however, enough to explore the most famous landmarks. They are located near each other and are pretty much reachable by foot!
How to reach Belgrade from the Airport “Nikola Tesla”?
If you are arriving in Belgrade by plane, note that there are several ways to reach the city center from the airport in Belgrade:
- By Bus. Bus Number 72 runs every 20 minutes from the airport to Zeleni Venac. A ride usually takes around 50 minutes. Tickets can be bought directly with the bus driver and, I believe, cost around 150 RSD (1,5 EUR)!
- By Shuttle. An airport shuttle service A1 is a very convenient way to reach the city center from the airport. A small van usually waits outside the Arrival Gate and drives directly to Slavija Square. The drive takes around 30 minutes. The ticket costs 300 RSD and again can be bought directly with the driver (they can be helpful with the luggage!)
- by Taxi. There is a Taxi Stand outside the airport. After recent airport reconstruction, it requires a little bit of walking, but there is clear direction to it! It will cost you around 2500 – 3000 RSD (25-30 EUR) if you decide to take a taxi which is not bad. Make sure to get a taxi that has a taximeter, because there are sometimes serious scammers at the airport!
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