✈️ TLV to Belgrade (BEG)
Serbia
Belgrade
CityBEG
IATA1902.7 km
Distance2h 53m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 44.8184, 20.3091
Airlines:
About Belgrade
Weather in Belgrade
Understand
Belgrade, meaning 'White City', has a population of 1.4 million people in the urban area (2022). It lies on the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers.
Climate
Belgrade has a temperate continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional periods of snowfall. Belgrade experiences all four seasons to their maximums, and those visiting are advised to dress appropriately, and keep an eye on the weather forecast, as the city often experiences sudden gusts of the strong Košava wind, storms, and rainfall, particularly during the summer months.
See
Belgrade city core is not too big. Everything between Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova street and Skadarska street is best viewed on foot, and most major sights can be found in Stari Grad (Old Town) district. You might need the bus for sights further out. Many of Belgrade's museums are closed on Monday . 44.8236 20.4503 1 Belgrade Fortress ( Kalemegdan/Калемегдан ). Once an important military fortification and the location of the first settlement of Singidunum, it now serves as the Central Park of Belgrade. Accessible from the end of the Knez Mihailova Street, it offers a great refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially in the afternoon. Kalemegdan Park is divided into the Upper and Lower town, and contains fortress walls built in several stages throughout history, with several cafés, tennis and basketball courts, museums and an observatory. Be sure to take a stroll around the statue of Pobednik (The Victor), one of the symbols of Belgrade, and enjoy the stunning views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Free . ( updated Jul 2016 ) 44.82183 20.44978 2 Military Museum ( Војни Музеј ) ( within the Fortress ), ☏ +381 11 33 43 441 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Museum has around 30,000 objects in 12 collections and very impressive photo collection with over 100,000 photographs. RSD200 . ( updated May 2019 ) There are two churches within the Fortress. Church Ružica ( Црква Ружица ). "Ružica" means little rose, though it's clad in ivy. It dates to the 15th century, was destroyed in the 18th century, rebuilt and again destroyed in World War I by the Central Powers. The present version was created in 1925, embellished by bronze soldiers guards in front of it and the unusual chandeliers made out of bullet shells, swords and bayonets. Adjacent is Sveta Petka (Црква Св. Петке) church and chapel. ( updated May 2019 ) 44.826 20.45335 3 Belgrade Zoo , Mali Kalemegdan 8 ( within the Fortress ). Summer daily 08:00–20:30, winter daily 08:00–17:00 . Popular, but it's a lot of animals in a small space. Adult RSD500, child RSD300 . ( updated May 2019 ) 44.81796 20.45669 4 Knez Mihailova Street ( Кнез Михаилова улица ). The main pedestrian street of Belgrade features beautiful architecture from the late 19th century. Take a stroll down this historic street and enjoy all of the shopping, galleries, street vendors, and cafés it has to offer. The street also serves as the link between the Republic Square and Kalemegdan park. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.8163 20.46011 5 Republic Square ( Trg Republike/Трг Републике ). Belgrade's main square features the statue of prince Mihailo Obrenović, which is the main meeting point of Belgradians, popularly referred to as "by the horse". Surrounding the square are famous historical buildings such as the National Museum and the National Theatre. The square was "refurbished" in 2019, and now it's just an open emptiness of concrete, with beautiful buildings around and a few sitting places. Few lines of public transport pass by here. ( updated May 2022 ) 44.81756 20.46405 6 Skadarlija Street ( Скадарлија ). Popularly nicknamed the "Bohemian quarter", this pedestrian street is filled with restaurants and cafés, most in the spirit of old Belgrade. Live bands playing traditional Serbian music can be heard in the evenings. Skadarlija street is lined with many landmarks, including Dva Jelena Kafana, which was established in 1832. The street is paved in cobblestones, so ladies are advised to avoid wearing high heels, unless highly experienced. Blank-walled buildings on the south side have been painted with impressive Trompe-l'œil paintings to add to the atmosphere. ( updated May 2022 ) 44.81306 20.46084 7 Terazije and Kralja Milana streets ( Теразије и улица Краља Милана ). Connecting Knez Mihailova street and the Republic Square with the Slavija Square and the Temple of Saint Sava, which dominates the view as you walk towards it. Take a walk down the street and see the famous Terazije Fountain, Hotel Moskva (formerly called the "Palace of Russia"), the Old Royal Palace (now the City Hall), the New Palace (now the building of the Presidency), and the Yugoslavian Drama Theater. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.81082 20.46258 8 The Old Royal Palace ( Stari Dvor/Стари Двор ). Located opposite the National Assembly, it was the royal residence of the Obrenović and Karađorđević dynasties from 1884 until 1922. It is now the seat of the Belgrade City Assembly, and the plateau in front of it is often used to welcome Serbian athletes and musicians after successful competitions abroad. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.765707 20.453362 9 The White Palace ( Beli Dvor/Бели Двор ). The official residence of the crown prince of Serbia, it is a mansion located in the upscale Dedinje area, as part of the Royal compound. Can be visited only with a guided tour. Tours can be booked at the Tourist Information offices, available in English and Serbian. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.8099 20.4633 10 The New Palace ( Novi Dvor/Нови Двор ). The New Palace is next to the Old Royal Palace, on Andrićev venac square. Built between 1911 and 1922 as the residence of King Petar I Karađorđević, today it is the official seat of the President of the Republic of Serbia. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.81172 20.46598 11 The National Assembly of Serbia ( Narodna Skupština/Народна Скупштина ). Across the Old Royal Palace, at Nikola Pašić Square. ( updated May 2015 ) 44.84828 20.409734 12 Gardoš ( Гардош ). A neighborhood in the municipality of Zemun. Gardoš is a hill located near the river bank of the Danube, and offers a historical and authentic atmosphere, with narrow streets, old houses and churches. At the top of the hill stands the tower of "Sibinjanin Janko" (or Millennium Tower) - 36 m tall, built in 1896, housing an art gallery and boasting beautiful views over the Danube and Belgrade. The area also offers numerous authentic restaurants offering a wide range of dishes, usually traditional Serbian cuisine. ( updated May 2015 )
Do
44.788554 20.395557 1 Ada Ciganlija . A river island on Sava River with an artificial lake in the center of the city. The lake has an 8 km (5 mi) long gravel beach, which is visited by thousands of bathers during the summer. This is a great place for sports and picnics (barbecue is allowed in the allotted space). It also contains a lot of cafés and restaurants, river rafts (bars-restaurants), some of which are opened whole year round. In summer, it is swamped with people wanting to cool down in the water. Beaches in Ada Ciganlija, with restaurants, cafés on the beach, as well as umbrellas, beds and water sports, reminiscent of many sea beaches, and are the right place for swimming, recreation and enjoyment. You may rent bikes or inline skates at several points near the entry to the island. Lanes for pedestrians and bikers are separated. You have an over-the-water bungee jumping facility, as well as water-skiing. There are terrains for football, basketball, beach volley, golf and tennis. If you are coming from the direction of New Belgrade or Zemun, consider using small boats from Block 70a edge, New Belgrade, which can take you over the river for around €1. During summer season, they go every 15 minutes or less, and offer bike transportation as well. There are also many regular bus services from the city center and other districts to Ada Ciganlija. Additional facilities: ( updated Feb 2020 ) Adventure Park , ☏ +381 64 8 210 218 . open during summer season (usually from beginning of May until the end of September) . one go through the park is RSD 800 . ( updated Feb 2020 ) Segway Rides ( near cafe Plaža ), ☏ +381-69 734-929 . on small flat track ( updated Feb 2020 ) Outdoor Ice Skating . during winter . ( updated Feb 2020 ) ski and snowboard simulator . all year round . ( updated Feb 2020 ) 44.824963 20.450651 2 Public Observatory ( at Kalemegdan fortress ). features four panoramic telescopes installed for daily observations of the city's panorama. ( updated Feb 2020 ) National Theatre . features opera, ballet and plays. The main hall is simply amazing, decorated with gold and artworks. ( updated Feb 2020 ) 44.83765 20.41876 3 Zemun quay . the most visited Waterfront in Belgrade. Here you can ride a bike, inline skates or walk next to Danube River. For a break, just hop on one of the raft bars or restaurants. ( updated Feb 2020 ) 44.8238 20.45742 4 Strahinjića Bana Street ( Serbian Cyrillic:Страхињића Бана улица ) ( downtown Belgrade, at the end of Skadarska Street (popularly Skadarlija) laterally, and extends to the Kalemegdan fortress and the zoo ). known as the Silicon Valley (Силиконска Долина). Here are popular bars, restaurants, cafes, and gardens (with slightly higher prices). ( updated Feb 2020 ) Go bowling , available at: Colosseum Bowling , Dobanovačka 56, Zemun, +381-65/3888-888 Usce Shopping Mall Bowling Delta City Shopping Mall Ice skating is available during winter months at: Tašmajdan Sports Center [dead link] , Čarlija Čaplina 39, +381 11 2766-667, RSD200–300. Pingvin Beostar Gym [dead link] (Penguin), Jurija Gagarina 78, +381 11 2178-183, RSD 200–250. Mali Pingvin Sport Belgrade [dead link] (Little Penguin), Deligradska 27 Open-air ice skating at square Trg Nikole Pašića , winter months, free of charge The Great War Island (Veliko ratno ostrvo) is a river island at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, for picnics and bird spotting. Mount Avala [dead link] is a 511m mountain near Belgrade with the 204-m Avala Tower at the top. Viewing platform is accessible via a lift with great views of Belgrade and parts of Vojvodina and Šumadija. Entrance fee is RSD50 per person. At the top of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and the motel and a few restaurants. During the descent, turn right, there is a mountain lodge "Čarapića Brest" (Чарапића Брест), with rooms and good restaurant. Visit a splav (literally: raft ) – a barge restaurant located along the Sava and Danube rivers. There are two kinds of "splav". Some are restaurants, but most are nightclubs. You can literally club-hop all night long. There is no cover charge to get into any of them. Some ultra popular ones may require that you have an invitation or be on the guest list, but if you tell them that you are a foreigner and that you didn't know they'll usually let you in. Women are not required to be on a guest list. The music played on the barges is highly varied and can include live bands, Serbian folk music, pop, and dance. Adventure Park , ☏ +381 64 8 210 218 . open during summer season (usually from beginning of May until the end of September) . one go through the park is RSD 800 . ( updated Feb 2020 ) Segway Rides ( near cafe Plaža ), ☏ +381-69 734-929 . on small flat track ( updated Feb 2020 ) Outdoor Ice Skating . during winter . ( updated Feb 2020 ) ski and snowboard simulator . all year round . ( updated Feb 2020 ) Colosseum Bowling , Dobanovačka 56, Zemun, +381-65/3888-888 Usce Shopping Mall Bowling Delta City Shopping Mall Tašmajdan Sports Center [dead link] , Čarlija Čaplina 39, +381 11 2766-667, RSD200–300. Pingvin Beostar Gym [dead link] (Penguin), Jurija Gagarina 78, +381 11 2178-183, RSD 200–250. Mali Pingvin Sport Belgrade [dead link] (Little Penguin), Deligradska 27 Open-air ice skating at square Trg Nikole Pašića , winter months, free of charge
Buy
For information on the Serbian currency, see Serbia#Buy . Menjačnica Mićko (Vuka Karadzica street #4), changes all currencies, including rare ones. Most stores operate late hours during work days, while on Saturdays they normally close around 15:00 and most of them are not open on Sundays. However, shopping malls are open late every day, including weekends.
Eat
For information on Serbian cuisine, see Serbia#Eat Belgrade has hundreds of restaurants specializing in local cuisine and a number of international restaurants. On the whole, prices are cheap compared to Western Europe with main dishes ranging from €5–20 per person. Without a doubt, the most popular choice of fast food in Belgrade is barbecue ( roštilj ), and there are dozens of barbecue joints around the city where you can have a Serbian burger for around €2, usually with free toppings included. Belgradians are famous for enjoying Burek for breakfast, which is a type of pastry, usually filled with feta cheese or meat. As a meat and dairy-free alternative, potato (Cyrillic: 'кромпир') burek can often be found. Most bakeries around the city sell them for a cheap price, around 110 RSD. To enjoy a proper Burek, make sure to drink some yoghurt on the side. Similarly, there are many places specialising in Burek and various Serbian and Bosnian pies, called buregdžinice. For good-tasting Sarajevo pies try Tadić (Cyrillic: Тадић ) at Kralja Petra 75. Traditional restaurants and taverns are called Kafana (Кафана). They often have string orchestras. There are many in Old Town, e.g. along cobbled Skadarska. Fish restaurants are dotted along the banks of the Danube and Sava a little further out. There are a handful of international restaurants, which can range from moderately priced to very expensive.
Drink
The city tap water is generally safe to drink, although one should be cautious if it's from an old building, as the lead piping is sparsely maintained. Knez Mihailova street and several others have public water fountains, which dispense good quality water. It may look white when first poured from the tap; that's just air bubbles which disappear in a few minutes. Good domestic beers are Jelen, Lav, MB and Pils. Foreign beers made under license in Serbia include Heineken, Amstel, Tuborg, Stella Artois, and Beck's. Wines from Serbia and other Balkan countries are good if you pay a little more for quality, the cheap stuff may be disappointing. The national drink is rakija Serbian brandy. The commonest is plum brandy - šljivovica or slivovitsa ; other common varieties are grape, walnut, quince and pear. It can be bought in stores but Serbs insist that home-made rakjia is superior, and they take great pride in their craft. Look out for it at the local farmers markets. Last but not least, always toast your companions in the proper manner. Look them in the eye whilst clinking glasses, say Živeli! (cheers!) to all present as if you mean it, and take a sip. Repeat as necessary, and enjoy the night out in Belgrade.
Stay safe
Overall, Belgrade is a pretty safe city, but like anywhere, you should always keep money, mobile phones, travel documents and other valuable personal items in secure places. Pickpocketers are known to operate in public transportation, and other crowded places so never wear a backpack or purse on your back and make sure that you have your wallet in one of your front pockets. If you own a car, it is preferable to have a security system. Traffic laws are usually observed although nervous drivers can change lanes suddenly or make dangerous turns when avoiding traffic during rush hour. So be cautious if you are a pedestrian or riding a bike. The taxi drivers are notorious for swerving in and out of lanes. Pay close attention to the traffic signals as a pedestrian. Also try to avoid getting into conflicts. If you are staying out late in a bar or a club, there is always a small chance that someone will try to pick a fight especially if you are in a group and a single guy is showing hostility. That is a trap by local thugs looking for a brawl. Just ignore them and walk away no matter what they say or do. The chances that this will happen are very low, but stay alert. Do not try to make fun of the locals in your native language. Almost everyone has at least a basic understanding of English and is familiar with foul words and curses. Generally, common sense is the best way to stay safe in any city in Europe, and in Belgrade. In Serbia, including Belgrade, violence against the LGBTQ population can occur, and as such LGBTQ travelers should exercise discretion. As a rule, public displays of affection between two people of the same sex are likely to be met with disapproval and sometimes verbal abuse and/or physical violence. There are several gay bars and clubs in the city and they tend to get quite full. Be cautious when arriving at or leaving such clubs. Often there is security personnel guarding the immediate entrance. There are also LGBTQ parties organized periodically by various organizations and at different locations, such as Loud and Queer events, so it is useful to follow LGBTQ guides to Belgrade and keep up with the current hotspots.
Cope
There are a few dozens gyms around the city, every neighborhood has at least a few. Prices range (so as quality) €20–80 per month, or a bit less for 12/16 visits. In case you need to fix your umbrella you may do that in the last remaining umbrella service in town in Visnjiceva 4. It is difficult to avoid tobacco smoke in restaurants, bars and clubs. However, other enclosed public places, including the malls, are smoke-free. Some hotels allow smoking in parts of the building.
Go next
Novi Sad is a fine old city 100 km north of Belgrade, the standout being its Petrovaradin Fortress brooding over the Danube. The town near Novi Sad on the south bank of the Danube is historic Sremski Karlovci , with many museums, churches and galleries. The mountain west of it is Fruška Gora , with monasteries, vineyards and wildlife. South of Belgrade, near the town of Topola in Šumadija region, is Oplenac hill, with the Mausoleum of the Serbian Royal family. A little north of there near Aranđelovac is Orašac , cockpit of the First Serbian Uprising against the Turks. Vršac , 60 km northeast of Belgrade, is a notable wine-growing area. There are spas at Aranđelovac, Mladenovac and Mionica-Valjevo. Viminacium is the extensive remains of the Roman provincial capital of Moesia. It's 80 km southeast of Belgrade near Pozarevac in Podunavlje region. Leave the country by boarding the train Lovcen (433) at 8:20 PM to wake up in Bar (a coastal Montenegrin city) at 7:23 AM (with a border control happening in the middle of the night).