Belgrade Sightseeing

“Within the space of a few minutes wandering around the side streets of Belgrade I am shown a mural depicting a beautiful woman; the tomb of an ancient Ottoman warriors; a “concept store” selling quirky designer goods that wouldn’t be out of place in Soho in London; and a cool place to stop and have a late-night-coffee-Belgrade has been quite an eye-opener.“  

– Adrian Bridge, The Telegraph

“Forget London, Paris or New York, this was one of the coolest nightspots I have ever seen. “

– Metro

Belgrade Fortress

The Belgrade Fortress was built as a defensive structure on a ridge overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers during the period from the 2nd to the 18th century. Today the fortress is a unique museum of the history of Belgrade. The complex is made up of the Belgrade Fortress itself, divided into the Upper and Lower Town and the Kalemegdan Park.

Because of its exceptional strategic importance, a fortification — a Roman castrum — was erected here in the 2nd century AD, as a permanent military camp for the Fourth Flavian Legion. After being razed to the ground by the Goths and the Huns, the fortification was rebuilt in the first decades of the 6th century. Less than a century later it was demolished by the Avars and the Slavs.

Around this fortification on the hill above the Sava and Danube confluence, the ancient settlement of Singidunum grew up, later to become the Slav settlement of Belgrade. On top of the Roman walls stand Serbian ramparts and on top of them, Turkish and Austrian fortifications. In the 12th century the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus built a new castle on the Roman ruins.

Under the rule of Despot Stefan Lazarević, Belgrade became the new capital of Serbia and was reinforced by the addition of extensive fortifications to the Upper and Lower Town.

A new era began with the Austro-Turkish War. As a key fortification at the heart of the armed conflicts of the 18th century, the Fortress was rebuilt three times. Under the Austrian occupation from 1717 to 1739, and after the construction of new modern fortifications, the Belgrade Fortress was one of the most powerful military strongholds in Europe. By the end of the 18th century the Belgrade fortress had taken on its final form.

Kalemegdan

Kalemegdan, today Belgrade’s most beautiful and largest park, was during the time that the Fortress was Belgrade’s main military stronghold, used to observe and await the enemy in battle.

Consequently its name derives from the Turkish words “kale” meaning fort and “meydan” meaning square or field.

Kalemegdan contains the Keys of the Belgrade Fortress memorial, the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Cvijeta Zuzorić Art Pavilion, the Music Pavilion, the Great Steps, the Zoo, a children’s fun fair, and a number of monuments, sculptures, sports facilities, restaurants and cafés. Belgrade Fortress today is a cultural property of great importance, and a venue for frequent cultural, artistic and entertainment events.

 

St. Sava Temple in Belgrade

Saint Sava Temple is the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. It was built in the Serb-Byzantine style and including the cross on top of the dome, it is 82 meters high. The temple is still under construction, although major works ended in 2004. Church is so big that more than 10,000 people can sit at the same time. Saint Sava Temple is known for its polyphonic bells so make sure to get to the Temple at a full hour to hear them. It is built on the place where Turks burned remains of Saint Sava. Saint Sava, born as Rastko Nemanjić, was son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and a founder of Hilandar Monastery on Athos Mountain. In 1219, he founded Serbian Orthodox Church by winning independence from Byzantium. He is considered Serbian educator, saint and patron of schools and education establishments. Although church is still under construction, you can visit it during the day and evening.

 

Knjeginja Ljubica museum

Because of its cultural and architectural importance the residence has been designated as a monument of culture of exceptional importance. Princess Ljubica Residence is one of the most remarkable among the preserved examples of civil architecture in the first half of the 19th century Belgrade. It was built during the period from 1829 to 1830. According to plans of Prince Milos, the Residence was supposed to have a twofold purpose – to be a home for his family, Princess Ljubica and his sons Milan and Mihailo, later rulers of Serbia and at the same time a residential palace. It was built according to ideas and under supervision of Hadzi- Nikola Zivkovic, the pioneer of Serbian building and construction.

 

Topčider

The green and well-kept Topčider Park lies in the valley of the Topčiderska river. The name Topčider is a Turkish word, originating from Persian and meaning “valley of cannons”. In fact, it was here that the Turks had makeshift foundries to cast cannons for the attack on Belgrade in 1521. In 1831 prince Miloš Obrenović gave instructions for the settlement of Topčider. He first had a manor and a church built, and these were followed by a kafana, army barracks and the park. In the first decades of 19th century the entire zone was characterized by the vineyards and summerhouses of the wealthy. Then, on the swampy ground covered by cattail and cane, the first park in Belgrade was created. Between 1831 and 1833, plane trees have been planted around prince Miloš’s manor, and they still stand. Not far from the manor is the Careva ćuprija racetrack, where horse races are held from March to October. The regulation of the Topčider river started after World War II, and in that way too, this natural complex has become the most visited excursion site of Belgrade citizens. In this beautiful, forest ambience, there are the building of the Milošev Konak, the Topčider Church, The Guard House, as well as several restaurants.

 

The complex of Royal Palaces

Royal Palaces at Dedinje, official residence of the Serbian royal dynasty Karađorđević are situated in a wooded, elite part of Belgrade. Royal Palaces have been opened for public only in the past several years and represent an attractive destination for excursions.

Royal complex in Dedinje consists of Royal Palace and White Palace. Royal Palace was built in 1929 and today in this large estate lives prince Aleksandar Karađorđević II with his wife, Princess Katarina.

The later added White Court with its outbuildings was intended for three sons of King Aleksandar I – Prince Peter (the future King Peter II and father of HRH Crown Prince Alexander), Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrej. The construction of the White Palace lasted for four years (1934 – 1937).

However, after the assassination of the King in 1934, the young King Peter II settled in the Dedinje Complex and continued to reside in The Royal Palace with his mother HM Queen Maria and his two brothers.

Royal and White Palaces have valuable collections of paintings (Rembrandt, Poussin), sculptures, and decorative objects of a great value. Royal Court houses the collection of King Aleksandar I and in the White Palace, designed in the neoclassical style, you can see objects mostly chosen by Prince regent Pavle Karađorđević. Complex also has family church dedicated to St. Andrew the First-called, patron saint of the Karađorđević Family. Church is interesting because of replicas of the most beautiful frescoes from Serbian monasteries Dečani and Sopoćani.

 

Belgrade Panorama

Why not get your first impressions of the city with this quick overview of that puzzling mixture called Belgrade: oriental spices co-existing with European refinement, postmodernist glassed-in buildings, charming small houses of traditional Balkan architecture, modern alleys and boulevards contrasted with hilly and whimsically laid-out side streets.  You can visit various city quarters, including New Belgrade on the left bank of the Sava River, the luxurious residential area of Dedinje and the picturesque Old town. Between these visits we will pass en route St. Sava Church, Slavija Square, Belgrade Palace, the ‘New Court’, City hall, the Federal Parliament, Terazije street, the National Theatre, the National Museum, University, and more. You can visit the archaeological and historical site of Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan and the remains of the old fortifications and complete the tour with a spectacular panoramic view of the rivers.

Also you can choose the sightseeing by bus, boat or aerial view of Belgrade

Organized sightseeing tours

Downtown Walking Tour

Unique and the best way to get to know Belgrade! You will hear all interesting facts about Belgrade of young and professional guides who will reveal all the secrets and little-known stories about our city. The tour includes a visit of some of the most important attractions such are The Republic Square, Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, „Sillicon valley“, Zoo, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade fortress, The „Victor“ the most famous symbol of Belgrade, the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. Saborna church, cafe „?“, Knez Mihailova street.

  • Every day at 11hand 16h
  • The tour starts from the Republic Square, behind the monument. Our guides will be wearing yellow IDs around their necks.

Zemun Tour

Walk through the old part of today’s Belgrade, but bear in mind that Zemun has completely different history. A walk through modern wide boulevards, old narrow streets, and enjoying the view from the Gardoš hill where Millennium tower is. Find out why the settlement was made here in Neolithic.

  • Every Saturday at 15h
  • The tour starts from the Republic Square, behind the monument. Our guides will be wearing yellow IDs around their necks. Bus ticket required.

Underground Secrets Of Belgrade

The hidden objects and cruel history. Visit to Roman well, military bunkers from Tito’s period, Austrian gunpowder storehouse with Roman sarcophagi, sacrificial altars and tombstones. You will hear the stories about the oldest city center. You will see the most interesting graffiti of Savamala. Visit to caverns in which the food was stored and wine cellar from the 19th century with FREE WINE at the end.

  • Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15h
  • The tour starts from the Republic Square, behind the monument. Our guides will be wearing yellow IDs around their necks.

Communist Tour

Find out the most interesting stories about former Yugoslavia, World War II, Tito’s life, „Youth relay baton“, nonaligned movement, conflicts of the nineties, NATO bombing of Serbia and Montenegro in 1999 and democratic changes at the beginning of the third millennium.

  • Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 15h
  • The tour starts from the Republic Square, behind the monument. Our guides will be wearing yellow IDs around their necks.

Pub Crawl Party Tour

Meet Belgrade’s famous night life: kafanas, bars, river clubs and other cool places in our city. We are glad to take you to best bars and clubs of our city. Enjoy Belgrade night with other party guests of Belgrade – a city proclaimed as the best night life city by Lonely planet in 2011.

  • Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 21h.
  • The tour starts from the Republic Square, behind the monument. Our guides will be wearing yellow IDs around their necks.

Wild Western Serbia

Zlatibor, Zlatar, Uvac, Kusturica’s village – 2 days

Spend a night at authentic Serbian village houses, try delicious traditional Serbian food, learn how to make “rakija” listen to the peace of the beautiful lake, walk through unspoiled nature where the rare griffon and other endangered species fly freely, visit Drvengrad – ethno village built by famous Serbian director Emir Kusturica, enjoy the four hour boat ride and explore interior of caves longer than 1 km. FREE WELCOME DRINK

  • Every Monday from May 1stto October 31st
  • Pick up from the hotel

Devil’s Tour

The city of Nis, Devil’s town and Medieval Monastery Manasija – 2 days
Enjoy beautiful nature along the most famous waterfall in Serbia, Feel peace and glory of Manasija monastery from the early 15th century, Visit the second largest city in Serbia and birth place of Roman emperor Konstantin the Great, Taste the best barbecue in Serbia, See tower made from humans’ skulls (The Skull Tower). FREE WELCOME DRINK

  • Every Thursday from May 1stto October 31st
  • Pick up from the hotel

Panonian Fairy Tale

Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci

Visit the Petrovaradin fortrees, place that hosts the famous EXIT festival, walk the beautiful streets of Novi Sad, visit authentic wine cellars in the oldest wine region in Serbia, enjoy the panoramic view of entire city from the fortress called “Gibraltar on the Danube”, try local food and first-rate wine. FREE WELCOME DRINK

  • Every Wednesday from May 1stto October 31st
  • Pick up from the hotel

Private Sightseeing

Book your private city tour! Our driver will pick you up at the hotel and give you a private tour of the major points of interest in Belgrade.

There are many more interesting places and attractions in Belgrade. Don’t hesitate to ask our staff and they will be glad to assist you!

Book now