Belgrade

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a visit to Belgrade's botanical garden. Founded in 1874 by decree of the Kingdom of Serbia's Ministry of Education, on the recommendation of renowned botanist Josif Pančić, who also became its first manager, this garden offers a tranquil retreat. Each plant is systematically labelled, and the garden features a variety of areas including a peaceful Japanese Garden, a European garden, a Rock garden, and a Glasshouse. There's also a library and a dedicated Kid's corner. This is the perfect spot for a day spent in nature without leaving the city, allowing you to leave all your worries at the entrance.

Belgrade Urban Distillery is the first expert bar dedicated to Serbia's traditional drink, rakija. This sophisticated spirit is made exclusively from high-quality fruits, preserving natural flavours that evoke cherished memories.

The Republic Square is the very heart of the city, flanked by the National Theatre and National Museum. Its most iconic feature is the statue of Prince Mihailo on horseback, a beloved meeting spot for locals.

Located 16 kilometres from Belgrade, Avala Mountain is a true green oasis and perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. At the summit of the 506-metre-high mountain, there is a Monument of the Unknown Hero built by the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović, on the site of the old mediaeval fortress Zrnovo.

Situated at the junction of two international rivers, Danube and Sava, Belgrade offers great opportunities for river cruising. The Confluence itself represents one of the most attractive places in the city, just below the Belgrade Fortress, and right next to the Great War Island, an oasis of untouched nature. The river banks never sleep: on numerous floating restaurants and clubs, visitors can enjoy the view, fish specialities, and local beverages.

Skadarlija, an old bohemian quarter of Belgrade, is alive 24/7. The neighbourhood arose during the 19th century, with a large number of inns (called "kafana"), and since then has been a gathering spot of the most renowned personalities in Belgrade. It is frequently compared to the Montmartre of Paris, both in appearance and atmosphere. In all the inns, a visitor can taste typical Serbian food, drink local wines and listen to live traditional music till the early morning hours. Skadarlija restaurants have hosted many celebrities over the decades, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Jimi Hendrix, Josip Broz Tito, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, chess player Anatoly Karpov and many others. Best known kafanas are Šešir moj (This old hat of mine), Tri šešira (Three Hats), Dva jelena (Two Deer), Zlatni bokal (The Golden Chalice), Ima dana (There will be days) and Dva bela goluba (Two White Doves). The present Skadarlija, a short and curved street, is a remarkable Belgrade tourist attraction. Since 1993, the official opening of the summer season in Skadarlija has been marked by rising a "bohemian flag". The ceremony is always attended by celebrities, including popular and opera singers, actors, and artists.

Ada Ciganlija, Belgrade's most renowned summer resort, has transformed from an island to a peninsula, becoming the city's largest and most picturesque recreational spot. The Savsko lake is encircled by over 7 km of Blue Flag-awarded beaches, offering myriad ways to enjoy hot summer days. In summer, Ada Ciganlija turns into a bustling hub, attracting over 100,000 visitors daily (up to 300,000 on weekends) for swimming, sports, or leisurely afternoons in beachside cafés. In contrast, autumn and winter bring a quieter atmosphere, with a scenic promenade lined by cafés and nightclubs, although the lake's ice is too thin for skating. With more than 50 open-air sports facilities, including a golf course and cable-ski circuit, as well as courts and pitches for various sports and extreme activities like bungee-jumping and paintball, there's no shortage of action. The area's restaurants offer traditional city fare, particularly fish specialities, while bars and floating river clubs provide vibrant nightlife.

Standing tall at 204.68 metres, Avala Tower is a significant telecommunications landmark on Mount Avala. Originally completed in 1965, it faced destruction during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 but was rebuilt and reopened in April 2010. Today, Avala is a hub of activity, featuring a restaurant, an ethno-gallery, a souvenir shop, sports facilities, and an outdoor gym. The tower is open year-round, with varying hours for summer and winter. Enjoy idyllic walking trails through the heavily forested Mount Avala, with the best visiting times being spring or early summer for weekend events and live performances. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, offering stunning views of Belgrade from the observation deck on clear days.

Savamala is Belgrade's answer to Montparnasse of Paris, Navigli of Milan, Berlin's Kreuzberg, Lisabon's Bairro Alto , Istanbul's Beyoğlu and New York's Soho. This neighbourhood offers a variety of night clubs, bars and cafes, but also is presented as a cultural and design heart of Serbia's capital. Savamala is synonymous with Belgrade's urban culture. Among wide streets, river banks and beautiful old facades, many trendy clubs recently opened as exclusive night-life places, make this neighbourhood the hottest district in the city.

Beton Hala, located on the Sava riverbank, is the crown jewel of Savamala. What were once warehouses have been transformed into a row of fine dining establishments and contemporary event venues, drawing international attention. With acclaimed chefs, signature dishes, and a blend of industrial and modern design, Beton Hala is a top destination in Belgrade for both nightlife and culinary experiences.

Once a separate city, Zemun is now a renowned part of Belgrade, famous for its river taverns, unique atmosphere, and small restaurants specialising in fresh fish from the Danube. The main street of Zemun is home to the Homeland Museum and the Madlenianum Opera and Theatre. Along the Danube, Zemunski kej is a kilometre-long promenade featuring barge-cafés, an amusement park. The former largest hotel in Belgrade, Hotel Jugoslavija, now hosts the Grand Casino. At night, the barge-cafés become the epicentre of nightlife, staying open until dawn. Gardoš Tower, also known as Millennium Tower, stands as Zemun's most iconic symbol, offering panoramic views of Belgrade and a tranquil escape from urban noise. The neighbourhood has retained its authentic charm, with narrow, mostly cobbled streets and individual residential houses.