Let’s face it: Belgrade’s a rough-cut gem, and you don’t know what to expect before you go for the first time. Then, you visit and meet cool people who show you cool spots and have a blast. Next thing you know, you’re already planning your next visit because this one simply wasn’t enough.
Smokvica
Dorćol: Strahinjića Bana 54, 11000 Belgrade
Vračar: Molerova 33, 11000 Belgrade
First thing first, let’s have a coffee. Everything starts with a coffee in Belgrad.
Smokvica means “small fig” in Serbian. The owners named their first coffee shop/restaurant after a single fig tree in the yard.
Nowadays, the fig tree spreads its branches across Belgrade, and there are several of them, so you’re guaranteed to find your local Smokvica if you’re staying in the most popular areas in the city, like Dorcol of Vracar.
Good coffee, delicious food, friendly staff, and a cozy ambiance. Most of them have an indoor and outdoor area, so take a pick. Oh yeah and one of them is a bed and breakfast, too. So you can make Smokvica your home for the Belgrade stay.
Check out Smokvica.
Nikola Tesla Museum
Krunska 51, 11111 Belgrade
If you don’t know about Nikola Tesla, you’re in for a wild ride. Nope, not Musk Tesla (although the Tesla brand got its name in honor of Nikola Tesla).
Google that name and you will want to visit this guy’s museum. You’re in for a treat if you know what I am talking about. Tesla’s museum is a legacy of his family who used to live in Belgrade.
The museum is in a gorgeous villa in the city center, Krunska Street. You can book an English-speaking guide who will present you with the working models of Tesla’s machines, his various personal items, and his (many) visions for the future.
Sometimes, they even let you play with Tesla’s toys a bit. But they shouldn’t. But sometimes they do. The Serbian way.
Kalemegdan Fortress
Kalemegdan, 11000 Belgrade
This medieval beauty a fortress in the middle of the city of Belgrade surrounded with a park on one side and spectacular views of a meeting place of two rivers, Dunav and Sava. The place is just infused with historical turmoils.
The Kalemegdan fortress has endured for centuries. Have a walk there; you’ll see what I mean. The park looks good all seasons; get yourself an ice cream and blend in. Oh yeah, and there’s a ZOO there as well. Just like that, an old zoo, out of the blue.
And a cafe at the top terrasse with a mindblowing view for a coffee break. You know, the Serbian way.
Dva Jelena Restaurant
Skadarska 32, 11103 Belgrade
Dva Jelena (Two Deers) is one of the oldest still-standing restaurants in Belgrade. It’s been there since 1832. Yes, you read that right. It is located in Skadarlija, the oldest of the old town streets in Belgrade, which is packed with restaurants and bars.
If this interior doesn’t hit the spot for you, there are 50 others in the same street, all with the same punchline: Eat and drink like a bohemian Serbian for a night, you will not regret it.
Book here.
Cetinjska Art Quarter
An old abandoned beer brewery brought back to life by the local artists. Inspired by Berlin’s Kreuzberg, it’s been in Cetinjska 15 for about ten years now, and the local government doesn’t quite like it since it doesn’t quite suit the needs of greedy investors.
So you might want to hurry up and feel the buzz while it’s still there. It’s packed with pubs, clubs, and fast-food joints. Have a cocktail of rebellion and a wild night out, the Serbian way.
Belgrade’s Hyde Park Lounge & Restaurant
Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 85, 11000 Belgrade
Think European grandma having a joyride on LSD. That kinda interior, finger-licking good Insta content pending on your Social Media. It’s a bit further away from the city center, and you definitely need a cab to get there, but it is so worth it.
Magically bohemian ambiance, wonderfully kept luscious garden, and delicious food. Get those fancy pics to top off your Belgrade trip; we all know you want to.
Explore The Hyde Park Lounge and Garden Bar in Belgrade.
Recommended by Locals: 5 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Belgrade for First-Time Visitors
- Hyde Park Restaurant – Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 85, 11000 Belgrade
Dine in a magical garden with eclectic decor, perfect for a unique culinary experience. - Smokvica – Strahinjića Bana 54 (Dorćol) or Molerova 33 (Vračar), 11000 Belgrade
Start your day with coffee or brunch in a cozy and charming spot with both indoor and outdoor seating. - Nikola Tesla Museum – Krunska 51, 11111 Belgrade
Explore the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla with interactive exhibits and guided tours. - Kalemegdan Fortress – Kalemegdan, 11000 Belgrade
Wander through this historic fortress with breathtaking river views and a picturesque park. - The Two Deer Restaurant (Dva Jelena) – Skadarska 32, 11103 Belgrade
Enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine in a historic bohemian restaurant dating back to 1832. - Cetinjska Art Quarter – Cetinjska 15, 11000 Belgrade
Experience Belgrade’s nightlife with pubs, clubs, and artistic vibes in this buzzing cultural hub.
