Pressed for time in the Serbian capital? Worry not! You can see, taste, and experience plenty in a single day — as long as you
Sanja Markovic
January 9, 2025
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Pressed for time in the Serbian capital? Worry not! You can see, taste, and experience plenty in a single day — as long as you have a plan. With that in mind, here’s what to do in Belgrade in 24 hours.
Grab your walking shoes and get the most out of the time you have in this lively, eventful city. Let’s go!
Belgrade is bursting with must-see spots and must-try bites, but let’s be honest — you can’t squeeze it all into one day. Still, 24 hours is plenty of time to soak up the city’s energy, whether you’re just passing through or making the most of a layover.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our favorite picks for morning, afternoon, and evening activities. Of course, feel free to mix, match, and tweak the itinerary to suit your taste and schedule.
Since your day will be eventful (to say the least), a hearty breakfast is non-negotiable. Thankfully, any local pekara (bakery) has just what you need. Enter burek — a flaky, golden pastry stuffed with savory ground meat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
While you’re at the bakery, try out desserts like baklava, šampita, or krempita. And don’t worry about the calories — you’ll burn them all before lunchtime.
The main street is lined with cafes, so pick a spot you like and sip on a hot Turkish coffee or an iced latte and experience the Serbian coffee culture. If the weather’s fine, you can sit in the garden and enjoy people-watching — a beloved local pastime.
If you head inside, though, keep in mind that smoking is still allowed in most Serbian cafes. Don’t fancy the smoke? No worries — check out our article on the top smoke-free cafes for some fresh-air options.
Anyway, there’s always something happening in Knez Mihajlova. From lively street performers and talented musicians to captivating art displays, this vibrant hub promises plenty of entertainment to keep you engaged.
You won’t have to venture far for this stop — it’s just around the corner from Knez Mihajlova, in Republic Square. After taking a selfie with the horse statue (and Knez Mihajlo riding it), head straight to the National Museum for a quick trip through centuries.
Since you won’t have much time, you can stick to the permanent exhibition, which will set you back 300 RSD. Even so, you’ll get to cover history and art from the Paleolithic period to the 20th century, spread over 5000 sqm of exhibition space. In other words, you’ll walk away with a healthy serving of history and art.
No visit to Belgrade is complete without seeing the city’s magnificent fortress. While you wander through the centuries-old stone walls, you’ll soak up the ancient, peaceful vibes
Conveniently, Kalemegdan Fortress is perhaps the best spot to take the most scenic photos of the city. The confluence of the two rivers and the panoramic view are breathtaking, so find a comfy spot and snap away.
Don’t put away your camera — churches in Serbia are stunning pieces of architecture. There’s a fine choice of temples near and even inside the Kalemegdan walls.
For instance, the Rose Church (Ružica) in the fortress will leave you breathless. It’s small but incredibly charming with its cobblestone walls and gorgeous frescos.
Also, you’ll find the St. Michael’s Cathedral right outside of the fortress. Much more spacious but equally attractive, this church will fill you with a sense of awe and serenity.
Feeling peckish? Then, cross the street and have a taste of the local cuisine in the oldest kafana in Belgrade. Znak pitanja (Question Mark) is a cozy little place with an ethnic vibe and a nice garden.
The staff will go out of their way to make you feel at home, and the menu is vast. For instance, you can savor local delicacies like cheese and prosciutto plates, main dishes like beef goulash, beans with sausage, and more.
And why not relax a bit with a shot of rakija? Just don’t go overboard because your day is far from over.
While it’s still daytime, hit the streets of the heart of Belgrade — Dorćol. On top of the charming old architecture, you can enjoy murals that give this part of the city a special vibe.
In particular, the lower Dorćol stands out as a cultural center and a hub for the artsy crowd. Plus, you’ll find tons of cute cafes in the area if you need a quick pick-me-up.
The best time to visit Skadarlija is in the evening. The cobblestoned street is lined with kafanas like Tri Šešira and Dva Jelena, offering that old-town atmosphere and an evening to remember.
The traditional live music — tamburica — and the lively crowd will give you a genuine taste of the Balkans. Speaking of tastes, ćevapi, pljeskavica, and other grilled treats are a perfect way to wrap up the culinary exploration of the city.
Of course, if you wash it down with draft beer (točeno pivo) or rakija, you’ll relax and blend in even better. You’ll feel right at home!
If you feel like the night is still young and you have plenty more energy left, you’re in luck! Belgrade nightlife is wild and lasts all night long — especially on weekends.
In particular, Cetinjska Street (near Skadarlija) boasts several nightclubs and some of the best parties. Interestingly, the clubs there share a courtyard, so you can easily hop from place to place and enjoy a variety of music like jazz, avant-garde, or DJ sets.
If you’re into something more mainstream, though, you can go to a river raft club — splav. These floating parties are likely why Belgrade is so famous for its nightlife.
Wherever you go, you’ll get to dance the night away, mingle with locals, and maybe even make new pals. After all, Serbs are outgoing and friendly — and that goes double after a few drinks.
Now that you know what to do in Belgrade in 24 hours, here are the tips to make the whole experience more fun and comfortable.
Let’s be real — lugging a suitcase through cobblestone streets is no one’s idea of fun.
Luckily, there are numerous services at various locations in Belgrade that’ll keep your suitcase safe for around €5 while you have fun without the added weight. Check this website for details.
It goes without saying that you need comfy shoes if you plan to spend the day on your feet. Also, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. In Belgrade, summers have gotten pretty hellish in recent years, while winters can make you feel like you’re in Siberia, not Serbia.
So, dress for the occasion and be ready to tweak your itinerary if the weather becomes unfavorable.
And that’s a wrap on what to do in Belgrade in 24 hours! Now it’s your turn to explore, so pick your favorite spots — or challenge yourself to fit it all in one day if you’ve got the stamina. The choice is yours.
Once you’ve had a chance to catch your breath, check out our online Serbian lessons. Sign up, and next time you’re in Belgrade (or anywhere else in Serbia), you’ll be ready to dive even deeper into the experience. Enjoy sightseeing!
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