🏛️ Where to go in Belgrade: tickets, prices and opening hours

Belgrade is often rushed through in a single day. People arrive in the morning, see the fortress, board a bus by evening, and then regret the rush. The city has more than thirty places worth lingering at, and half of them don't require a ticket.

We cross-checked admission, opening hours, and routes from the center against official websites. Some museums offer free admission on Sundays (as of 09/2026, City of Belgrade).

Below are 30 key Belgrade sights. For each one, you'll find what sets it apart from the others on the list, how much admission costs, and how to get there from the center.

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30 Places in Belgrade: where to start

💡 In short:

Allow two days for Belgrade: the fortress, Kalemegdan, and the center take up the first, museums and New Belgrade the second.
Start with the fortress and the Church of Saint Sava early in the morning, before tour groups gather at the gates.
Tickets and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on official Belgrade museum websites.

Paid sights are convenient to check in advance. Below are admission, opening hours, and closing days for places where a ticket is required.

Place	Admission	Hours	Closed
National Museum of Serbia	ticketed, free on Sundays	Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Thu and Sat until 20:00	Monday (website)
Nikola Tesla Museum	ticketed	Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00	Monday (website)
Museum of Yugoslavia and House of Flowers	ticketed	check the website	Monday (website)
Belgrade Zoo	ticketed, discount for children	check the website	open daily (website)
Avala Tower	400 dinars, children 1 dinar (as of 09/2026, official website)	summer 9:00-20:00	open daily (website)

1. Belgrade Fortress

Despot's Tower with bridge in Belgrade Fortress

The fortress occupies a headland at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. For centuries, trade routes between East and West passed through this point, so the walls were constantly fought over: they were stormed, destroyed, and rebuilt again and again.

Today it is a large open-air museum. Inside stand active churches, towers, the Roman Well, and several museums. From the fortress, through Kalemegdan Park, you can walk out to Prince Mihailo pedestrian street.

There is no admission fee for the grounds, and you can walk here at any time. From the viewing platform you will see two rivers merge into one, and it is the best free view in the city. Come by eight in the morning: by noon tour groups are already crowding the gates, and your photos end up with other people's heads in the frame.

Inside, it is worth checking out the Upper Town with its gates and towers, then going down to the Roman Well and walking through the Lower Town right by the water. Several museums on the grounds keep regular hours, so they can easily take up half a day.

If you do not feel like reading plaques, take a guided tour: local guides show the fortress in a couple of hours and tell legends you will not find in guidebooks. Concerts and fairs are held on the walls and lawns, so it is worth checking the schedule in advance.

In winter it is quiet here, and you will meet almost no one at the viewing platform, while the river views remain just as wide. In summer the fortress is hot: bring water and a hat, as there is little shade on the upper levels. From the walls you can see Kalemegdan, New Belgrade, and the island, so there is no need to pick just one vantage point.

2. Kalemegdan Park

Panorama of Kalemegdan Park with fortress wall and river

Kalemegdan starts right behind the fortress walls and ends at Prince Mihailo Street. It is one of the oldest parks in Europe: the alleys, lawns, and pavilions were laid out in the second half of the 19th century by order of Prince Mihailo.

Inside you will find the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Military Museum, the Cvijeta Zuzorić gallery, and the Upper Town viewing platform. Children pull their parents toward the rides and the zoo, while adults head to the panorama of the Sava and Danube confluence.

The park is busy both day and evening. On holidays, concerts are held on the lawns; on weekdays, cafes and ice cream stands are open. Admission is free, so Kalemegdan is a convenient first stop on your walk, and a good place to return to at sunset.

3. Ružica Church

Main entrance of Ružica Church covered in ivy

Ružica hides inside the fortress walls, right by the viewing platform. The small Orthodox church was built in the Middle Ages, later turned into a mosque by the Ottomans, and destroyed to the ground. The shrine was restored in the 19th century, and it has served worshippers again ever since.

The stone walls are almost completely covered in ivy, so from a distance the church looks like a green hill. Inside hangs an unusual chandelier: it was assembled from cartridges, shell casings, and rifle parts by Serbian army soldiers during breaks between battles in World War I. Next to the iconostasis you will see gilded carvings and a painting of the Sermon on the Mount.

Admission is free, but this is an active church. Do not make noise or disturb the service if you happen to arrive during one. Stay here for ten minutes: the place is small, but it makes a strong impression.

4. Republic Square

Republic Square with equestrian monument and buildings

Republic Square is the main square of the city, where Prince Mihailo Street, the National Theatre, and the National Museum all meet. The square appeared in the second half of the 19th century, after the demolition of the Istanbul Gate: it stood on the road to Istanbul and reminded Serbs of Ottoman rule.

In the center of the square you will see a bronze monument to Prince Mihailo Obrenović. Nearby stand the Millennium Clock, the Press House, the Staklenac department store, and the city's oldest café.

In the evening this is the busiest spot in town: locals come here to meet up and go on dates, and tourists sit at open-air tables. It is a convenient place to start a walk through the center and to return to after visiting the fortress.

In front of the Istanbul Gate, the Turks executed those who had fallen out of favor. Today only building names and guides' stories recall that past.

The square is a handy reference point. Within five minutes you can walk from here to the National Museum, the National Theatre, and the start of Prince Mihailo Street. The museum itself houses one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist works, and it is worth going inside at least once for that reason.

At night the square is lit by lamps and looks completely different from how it does during the day. City-center tours start here, and street musicians perform on weekends. If you want to sit somewhere quiet, head to the neighboring streets: the square itself is always noisy.

5. Monument to Mihailo Obrenović

Equestrian monument to Prince Mihailo in front of the National Museum

The equestrian monument to Prince Mihailo was erected at the end of the 19th century, and for the country it was a major event. It is not only a tribute to the ruler, but also a sign of Serbia's full liberation from Ottoman rule.

The Italian sculptor Pazzi received the Order of the Cross of Takovo, second class, for his work. The prince's right hand points toward Istanbul: the gesture reads as "Turks, get out of Serbia."

The monument consists of three parts: the base, the pedestal, and the equestrian figure. The reliefs on the sides tell of the deeds of the Serbs and the Obrenović dynasty. Examine them from below, then raise your eyes to the prince: the fine details are visible only up close.

The monument has the status of a cultural property of national importance.

Walk around the pedestal on all sides: the bronze garlands bear the names, written in gold, of cities liberated from the Turks without bloodshed. On the front side there is a relief with a scene from the prince's life.

In the evening people arrange to meet at the monument, so it is always lively here. During the day it is easier to study the details: the light falls evenly on the bronze, and everything is visible without glare.

6. The bridge over Ada

Cable-stayed bridge over the river at dusk

The cable-stayed bridge over the Sava connects the old town and New Belgrade. Steel cables fan out to hold the road deck, which makes the crossing look light, even though it is one of the strongest structures in Belgrade.

There are no pedestrian walkways on the bridge, only car interchanges. But in the evening the lighting comes on and the bridge becomes the main decoration of the river. The best view of the structure opens up from Kalemegdan Fortress.

The bridge looks even more striking from the water: during a boat tour you pass right under the pylons. It is not worth making a separate trip here; include the bridge in your route along the embankment or in a trip to Ada Ciganlija.

The bridge appeared recently by the city's standards: it was the first major crossing built here in several decades. The structure has four spans and is designed for heavy traffic, so there are many interchanges on the approaches. It connects the municipalities of Čukarica and Novi Beograd and passes over the eastern tip of Ada Ciganlija, which is why it is clearly visible from the peninsula.

For locals, the bridge has long been one of the main modern landmarks. By day it is simply a convenient road, and by night a photo subject. If you are going to Ada, look at the bridge from the beach side: from there you can see how the cables hold the entire deck.

The lighting is switched on at nightfall, and then the pylons glow in different colors. The best time for photos is right after sunset, while the sky is still blue.

7. Belgrade Zoo

Main entrance to Belgrade Zoo with gates

The "Park of Good Hope" zoo stands on the grounds of Little Kalemegdan, right by the fortress walls. It opened in 1936 and is considered one of the oldest in the region (as of 09/2026, the zoo's official website).

Around 2,000 animals and about 270 bird species live here (as of 09/2026, zoo data). Since 1986, special attention has been given to albinos: white animals are collected from around the world as a symbol of the "white city." And after the shelling, during World War II and in 1999, the zoo received its bright name and has kept its animals in spacious enclosures ever since.

Bring cash in dinars: feeding the animals is prohibited, and the fine for violating this is steep. Tickets and opening hours are best checked in advance on the official website.

8. Princess Ljubica's Residence

White building of Princess Ljubica's Residence with flags

© Original uploader was Goldfinger at sr.wikipedia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Original uploader was Goldfinger at sr.wikipedia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/rs/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

The low white house on Kneza Sime Markovića Street looks modest only from the outside. Inside it is a true residence: the palace was built in the first half of the 19th century for Princess Ljubica, wife of Prince Miloš Obrenović. On the second floor, next to the princess's chambers, a hammam was installed.

Over two centuries, the building served as a lyceum, a court, a boarding school for the deaf and mute, and a museum. Today the residence is part of the Belgrade City Museum, and inside you will see furniture, the princess's personal belongings, and 19th-century art objects brought from Europe and the East.

The "Coffee with Princess Ljubica" tour is worth taking separately. Female curators tell the story of the ruling family's life and serve Turkish coffee with Turkish delight. Admission is paid, it is closed on Mondays, and photography of the exhibition is allowed without flash and without a tripod.

The residence stands in the old part of the city, not far from Kalemegdan Fortress, so it is easy to fit into a walk around the center. In the basement, lectures on cultural history and creative meetings are held in the evenings. Inside you will see how Eastern and European 19th-century traditions came together in the interior: from the layout of the rooms to the small details of the decor. Students get discounts on tickets.

If you are going for coffee with the princess, book in advance: groups are small, and on weekends spots sell out quickly. After the tour, walk down to the Sava embankment; it is only a few minutes on foot.

Near the residence, the old buildings of Kosančićev Venac have been preserved, and it is pleasant to stroll through them. Allow extra time: the streets here are narrow and climb uphill.

9. Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija began as an island, but two embankment dams turned it into a peninsula. Here on the lake shore you will find the city's main beach, a circular cycling track, and dozens of sports facilities.

The name comes from two languages: "ada" means island in Turkish, and "ciganlija" is linked to a Celtic word for underwater lands. In the 1960s, the embankments formed the lake, and later a suspension bridge was thrown across it, connecting two city districts. Even then, the place was recognized as the best for recreation and wellness.

In summer, water skiing, polo, and diving competitions are held on the lake. Bring a picnic set: the lawns have tables, benches, and grill grates, and nearby there are cafes serving national cuisine. Admission is free.

Buses run to the peninsula from the center, and in summer whole families come here for the entire day. Besides the beach, the lake has tennis and volleyball courts, football and golf fields, and cyclists and rollerbladers ride along the circular track.

If you came for quiet, go farther along the shore: it is crowded right by the water, while the depths of the park are calm. Come in the morning on a weekday if you want to get a good spot and avoid standing in line at a cafe.

The water warms up quickly in summer, but it is better to swim in designated areas. The sunset on Ada is worth your time: the light falls on the water and the shore empties out.

10. Aeronautical Museum

Glass building of the Aeronautical Museum in Belgrade

The Aeronautical Museum stands right by Nikola Tesla Airport. The glass dome on a concrete base is visible from the arrivals hall, and the building itself already looks like an exhibit.

Inside is one of the largest collections of aviation equipment in the region. You will see military and civilian aircraft, engines, and aviation rockets, as well as rare machines: the only surviving Italian Fiat G-50 fighter, Serbia's first military aircraft, and Soviet MiG-21 and Yak-3 planes. Some of the exhibits took part in World War II battles.

The museum was founded after the war on the basis of the Yugoslav Air Force. Come here straight from the airport if you have a couple of free hours before your flight: the visit takes one and a half to two hours. Check current opening hours on the museum's website.

11. National Museum of Serbia

National Museum of Serbia with equestrian monument in front of the facade

The National Museum of Serbia occupies a building on Republic Square, opposite the National Theatre. After a fifteen-year renovation, the facade shines again, and glass domes have appeared above the halls.

The museum was founded in 1844, and today its holdings number more than 400,000 items (as of 09/2026, the museum's official website). On three floors, works from the Paleolithic to the end of the 20th century are displayed: French painting, Italian canvases, and a large collection of Yugoslav artists.

Cézanne, Degas, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, and Caravaggio hang here. Come at opening time: the Impressionist room gets crowded by noon. Opening hours are simple: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Thursdays and Saturdays until 20:00, closed Mondays, and on Sundays admission is free (as of 09/2026, museum data).

12. Temple of Saint Sava

The Temple of Saint Sava stands on Vračar Hill and is visible from almost anywhere in the center. It was built from white marble, and by size it is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.

The building was erected on the site where, according to tradition, the relics of Saint Sava were burned. Construction was conceived in the late 19th century, but the cornerstone was laid only several decades later, and the interior decoration is still unfinished. The temple opened to worshippers in the early 21st century and has since become the city's main symbol.

Go inside for the enormous mosaic of Christ under the main dome. A park surrounds the temple, and the National Library of Serbia is nearby. Admission is free, but it is best to cover your shoulders and knees, especially if you are wearing shorts.

13. Nikola Tesla Museum

Facade of the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade

© Museum_of_Nikola_Tesla,_Belgrade,_Serbia.JPG : Rburg87 derivative work: Begoon · CC BY-SAPhoto: Museum_of_Nikola_Tesla,_Belgrade,_Serbia.JPG : Rburg87 derivative work: Begoon, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Nikola Tesla Museum occupies a small mansion at 51 Krunska Street. It is the only official museum of the inventor in the world, and even if you are far from physics, it is worth a visit.

A guided tour starts here every hour. First a short film and a guide's talk, then the most interesting part: demonstrations of experiments. You will see a glowing "sword" and lightning from touching a Tesla coil, the very effects later reproduced in movies and video games.

In addition to equipment, the halls contain Tesla's personal belongings and original documents, as well as an urn with his ashes. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays (as of 09/2026, official website).

14. House of Flowers

Interior of the House of Flowers with plants and sarcophagus

The House of Flowers has nothing to do with floristry: it is a mausoleum where Josip Broz Tito and his wife are buried. The complex began as a greenhouse at the marshal's residence, because Tito loved growing flowers and tending the garden.

Today the pavilions are quiet: trees grow, unusual statues stand, and instead of an open coffin you will see only a memorial plaque. A small museum operates nearby with Tito's personal belongings and gifts from officials that he received as president.

The House of Flowers is part of the Museum of Yugoslavia and stands on the outskirts of the city, next to the Museum of Yugoslav History. You can get there by trolleybus from the center. Check the museum's website for exact opening hours and tickets (as of 09/2026, Museum of Yugoslavia).

15. Skadarlija Quarter

Pedestrian street in the old center of Belgrade

Skadarlija begins a stone's throw from Republic Square, but in the evening the atmosphere here is completely different. The city's oldest restaurants operate on a cobblestone street with stone houses, and you can get to know Serbian cuisine to live music.

During the day the quarter is deserted. Toward evening, street artists and musicians appear, souvenirs are sold from stalls, and antique shops open their windows. Writers, poets, and actors used to live here: inexpensive apartments and good food in nearby cafes created an atmosphere of constant celebration.

Bring cash in dinars: cards are not accepted everywhere. Women are better off skipping stilettos, because the pavement is uneven and slippery. The brick walls of the houses are painted like canvases, so walk slowly and look around.

The quarter's address is simple: Stari Grad municipality, next to Republic Square, so it is easy to walk here after a stroll through the center. Skadarlija's restaurants are famous for hearty traditional cuisine, and live orchestras play in the dining rooms in the evenings. If you want to choose a table without rushing, come at opening time: by late evening there are almost no free tables left.

During the day there are few people here, but you can take your time looking at the facades and signs of old establishments. Many restaurants stay open late, so dinner in Skadarlija is easy to combine with an evening walk through the center.

The establishments have summer terraces, and they are pleasant to watch from the side. Keep in mind that the music is loud: this is not always the right place for a quiet conversation.

16. Gardoš Hill and the Millennium Tower

Illuminated Millennium Tower on Gardoš Hill at dusk

To see the city from above, you don't need a helicopter: climb the Millennium Tower, also called the Janko Tower. It stands on Gardoš Hill in the old Zemun district, and it was built in the 19th century, when these lands were part of Austria-Hungary.

The monument was erected as a symbol of a thousand years of Hungarian settlement on the banks of the Danube, hence the name. The hill is worth climbing not only for the panorama: a walk through Zemun with its narrow winding streets and toy-like houses is pleasant both in the morning and in the evening.

Admission to the tower is free, and it is open around the clock. City buses run from the center to the Zemun quarter. Along the way you will pass small churches and the Danube embankment with benches and cafes.

The panorama from the tower opens onto the Danube, the tiled roofs of Zemun, and the concrete blocks of New Belgrade. There is a place to sit at the top, so bring coffee and take your time looking at the city. In the evening, the lighting makes the view more interesting, but climbing in the dark requires a phone flashlight.

Plan your walk for the morning or evening: during the day it is hot on the open platform. If you want to see the city from a different angle, combine Zemun with a boat trip on the Danube; the piers are nearby.

Both a road from the river and a staircase on Stara Visoka Street lead up the hill. The climb is short but steep, so wear comfortable shoes. From the top you can clearly see how old Zemun is separated from the city by a large river.

17. Avala Tower

Concrete tower with glass entrance and bridge

© I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall · CC BYPhoto: I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Avala Tower stands outside the city, on Mount Avala. It is recognizable by its base in the shape of an equilateral triangle: there are only a few such buildings in the world. The tower is about 205 meters tall, and the observation deck is more than a hundred meters above the ground (as of 09/2026, official website).

The tower has survived hard times: it was completely destroyed during the NATO conflict in 1999, then rebuilt and reopened in 2010. Three monuments from different eras stand nearby.

It is windy and cool on the deck, so it is cozier to take in the panorama with a cup of coffee from the local cafe. An adult ticket costs 400 dinars, a child's ticket is almost symbolic, in summer the tower is open from 9:00 to 20:00, in winter it closes earlier (as of 09/2026, official website). Regular buses run here from the capital.

18. Genex Tower

The Genex Tower, known as the "Western City Gate of Belgrade," is two thirty-five-story towers connected at the top by a bridge with a rotating turret. The complex was built in the 1970s, when modernism and brutalism dominated architecture.

Church of Saint Mark and paths of Tašmajdan Park

A restaurant operates inside. Be sure to have dinner there if you are not afraid of heights: the windows offer a view of the western part of the city. Some publications include Genex in lists of the world's most unusual high-rises.

The building got its unofficial name from the Genex company, which occupied half of the skyscraper. You can get there by bus from the center. It is best to view the complex from the avenue side: that way you can see how the bridge is thrown between the towers.

19. Tašmajdan Park

Green park with a monument in central Belgrade

Tašmajdan occupies the site of former quarries, which the name itself suggests: "stone field." The ancient Romans extracted stone here for construction, and the Ottomans mined saltpeter from the shafts. Later, for more than half a century, this spot was a cemetery.

During World War II, the quarry labyrinths served as bomb shelters and warehouses. In the mid-20th century, the grim site was turned into a park, and in the early 21st century it was renovated: a sports center, amusement rides, and new monuments were added.

At the center of the park rises the Church of Saint Mark, whose walls hold the remains of King Dušan and the Obrenović royal couple. Nearby stand monuments to Serbian writers and even Don Quixote. Admission is free, and it's an easy stop after Republic Square.

20. Church of Saint Mark

Church of Saint Mark in Belgrade from above

The Church of Saint Mark rises on the eastern side of Tašmajdan Park. It was built in the 1930s on the site of an old wooden church, and its appearance shows features of the Serbo-Byzantine style: arches, columns, and a tall tower above the portal.

The design was developed by architects Petar and Kristić, who borrowed much of its form from Gračanica Monastery. It was in the old church on this site that the agreement recognizing Serbian autonomy was signed, so the new church was built here as well. The bombings caused severe damage, and in the early 21st century the building was carefully restored.

Above the entrance, a mosaic depicts Saint Mark, and inside, the marble iconostasis and altar are striking. The collection of icons from the 13th to 19th centuries is considered priceless. The interiors are modest, yet there is a special stillness here. Admission is free.

21. Topcider Park

Rectorate building of the University of Belgrade in the center

Topcider appeared on the site of an Ottoman artillery camp: "topcu" means gunner in Turkish, and "der" means valley in Persian. Later the military parade ground was turned into a recreation area for the capital's pasha, and after the Turks were expelled the place went to Milos Obrenovic.

By his order, a palace was built here, paths and flower beds were laid out, and trees were planted. Today you will be greeted by canopies of willows, sprawling oaks, plane trees and spruces. In front of the palace grows a giant plane tree considered one of the oldest in Europe: it was planted by a French gardener at the prince's request almost two centuries ago.

Today the palace houses the Museum of the First and Second Serbian Uprisings, and the Church of Peter and Paul stands nearby. The 19th-century monuments deserve attention: an obelisk in honor of Prince Milos, a sculpture of Ceres and a bust of Archibald Reiss. Park entry is free.

22. Old Palace

The Old Palace is occupied by the Belgrade city administration, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the capital. The building was constructed in the late 19th century for the Obrenovic dynasty as a model royal residence.

The palace is built in a classical style and kept in gray tones. The war years barely touched it, so the building has preserved its original appearance. The interior decoration was extraordinarily luxurious: several rooms glittered with gold and silver.

Nowadays only foreign delegations and honored guests get inside. Everyone else can admire the facade and the flower beds in front of it. The palace stands a stone's throw from Republic Square, so you will walk past it if you are strolling through the center.

23. New Palace

Facade of the New Palace with colonnade and flower garden

The New Palace stands not far from the Old Palace and is no less impressive than its neighbor in size or grandeur. It was built in the early 20th century on the site of the palace of Mihailo Obrenovic, destroyed by war, as the residence of King Alexander Karadjordjevic.

In addition to offices, the building contained living quarters and service rooms, a large library, and Japanese and English salons. Later it housed a museum, the Serbian parliament and the government. Today the New Palace serves as the residence of the country's president.

The strict style of academic architecture is complemented by elements of baroque and renaissance, which add elegance to the facade. The palace can only be viewed from the outside, while walking along the street. Pause in the square in front of the building: from here you can see the entire ensemble well.

24. White Palace

White Palace in Belgrade with colonnade and flag

The White Palace stands on Dedinje Hill among two dozen other royal buildings. It was built in the 1930s for the sons of King Alexander I.

A large park surrounds the building. The interior is done in a baroque-renaissance style: tapestries by French masters, furniture from different eras, Venetian chandeliers and Sevres porcelain.

The ceilings between rooms are painted with scenes from Serbian folklore and copies of frescoes from monasteries on the UNESCO list. The main hall is decorated with a portrait of King Alexander by the Serbian artist Jovanovic. You can only get inside with a guided tour by prior reservation.

25. Jevremovac Botanical Garden

Main entrance of the Jevremovac Botanical Garden

Jevremovac grew out of a large greenhouse established in the late 19th century. Even then it was considered the largest greenhouse in central Europe. Today the garden is managed by the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade, so the plant collection grows every year.

Inside you will see tropical and subtropical flora, and since 2004 a Japanese garden has been operating here. It is a classic garden with artificial hills, islets and streams, where mosses and herbaceous plants grow, and pavilions are entwined with climbing vines.

Every corner of the garden is constantly changing, so it is interesting to come back. Meadows of wild plants, cultivated plants, shrubs and exotic trees stand side by side. Entry is paid; on weekends it is best to visit the garden in the morning, while it is cool and there are few people.

26. Museum of Contemporary Art

Facade of Captain Miša's Building in central Belgrade

The Museum of Contemporary Art stands at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, in a building of unusual shape resembling a crystal. It was purpose-built for the museum to a design by architects Antic and Raspopovic, and sculptures by Yugoslav masters were installed around it.

The idea appeared back in the late 1950s, but construction and finishing took years. The gallery received its official name in the mid-1960s, when the museum welcomed its first visitors. Today the collection holds tens of thousands of items of contemporary art.

Works by Yugoslav artists from different periods are widely represented. Exhibitions are regularly held here, introducing the public to new names from Serbia and also showing paintings by European artists such as Warhol and Miro. After your visit, step out to the river: from here you can see the confluence of the two rivers.

27. St. Michael's Cathedral

Square in front of the Faculty of Philosophy in central Belgrade

St. Michael's Cathedral stands opposite the building of the Serbian Patriarchate, and this is no coincidence. The church preserves a centuries-old history of Christianity tied to the names of prominent clergy and kings.

The substantial building in late classicist style with baroque elements took eight years to build in the first half of the 19th century. The gray facade is decorated with bright mosaics of the Mother of God, the archangels Michael and Gabriel, and the Holy Trinity. Prince Milan Obrenovic and King Peter I Karadjordjevic were crowned here.

The cathedral holds the relics of King Uros, recognized as a saint, and in the crypt are buried metropolitans, patriarchs and members of the Obrenovic dynasty. Inside, the carved gilded iconostasis and wall paintings are striking. A museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church is open at the church. Cathedral entry is free.

28. National Theatre

The National Theatre occupies one of the most luxurious buildings on Republic Square. It resembled Milan's La Scala and shone with pompous decoration. After wartime destruction the facade lost some of its ornament, but the building retained its appeal.

The theatre opened with a production of the play "George Brankovic". Concerts and charity balls were held here, and in the Yugoslav era the theatre received national status and assembled the country's best company. Today three ensembles work here: ballet, drama and opera.

Performances take place on the Main Stage and on the small stage named after Rasa Plaovic. At various times world ballet and opera stars shone here, and performances did not stop even during shelling. Tickets for productions are easy to check on the theatre's website, and the building itself is worth seeing at least from the outside.

29. Petkovic Automobile Museum

Chrome grille and emblem of a black vintage Chevrolet in the museum

The Petkovic Automobile Museum is housed in a 1920s public garage building. It holds a private collection of a hundred retro cars belonging to cultural figure Bratislav Petkovic. He began collecting cars at the age of seventeen.

In the hall, cars from different eras stand in a colorful row, and you can trace the history of the global auto industry through them. In the center a French-made racing tricycle from the late 19th century takes pride of place. Nearby stand an American Ford Pilot and a Ford T, nicknamed the "Tin Lizzie", as well as a French Charron that belonged to the royal family.

Outside in front of the museum, a line of cars awaiting restoration is parked. This is a fascinating place not only for car enthusiasts: even if you are indifferent to machinery, the old shapes and chrome make an impression. Check the exact opening hours on site.

30. Rakovica Monastery

Monastery courtyard with church and bell tower

Rakovica Monastery stands in a village that long ago became a district of Belgrade. The monastery was founded in the 16th century in honor of the holy archangels Michael and Gabriel. The buildings repeatedly fell into disrepair and were destroyed, but they were restored again and again.

Peter I gave great support to the monks, noting their help in concluding peace agreements between Russia and Turkey. The main building with its Morava-style facade looks very picturesque, and this appearance has been preserved since the 19th century. Cosmetic repairs in later years barely changed the look.

The monastery grounds are well kept: neat lawns, many flowers, cypresses and a pavilion. Inside, the iconostasis by the monk-painter Momcilovic is highly artistic, and the treasury holds a collection of priceless works of art. Rakovica became the burial place of one of the Obrenovic kings and of Serbian patriarchs. Entry is free.

Belgrade attractions on a map

The map shows all the places from this selection, and it is handy for planning your route. Open it on your phone and check off what you have visited. Most central sights are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily cover them in two days.

It is convenient to book city tours and museum tickets in advance so you do not have to wait in line at the entrance.

Tours and tickets in Belgrade

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see the main sights in Belgrade?

Two days is enough for the main attractions. On the first day you can cover the fortress, Kalemegdan, Republic Square and Skadarlija, and on the second add the Church of Saint Sava, the National Museum and Ada Ciganlija. If you also want the Avala Tower and Zemun, set aside a third day and take your time.

What can you see in Belgrade for free?

The fortress, Kalemegdan Park, Republic Square, Skadarlija, Tašmajdan, Topčider, the Millennium Tower on Gardoš Hill, the Church of Saint Sava and St. Michael's Cathedral. There is no admission fee for these, and on Sundays the National Museum is also free. You only have to pay for museums, the zoo and the TV tower.

When is the best time to visit Belgrade?

The most pleasant months are May, June and September. In summer the city is hot, but the beaches at Ada Ciganlija are open, and in winter the museums are quiet. Keep in mind that the National Museum, the Nikola Tesla Museum and the House of Flowers are closed on Mondays, so do not plan them for your first day.

How do you get to the fortress and Kalemegdan from the center?

From Republic Square, walk along Knez Mihailova Street all the way to the fortress walls. It takes about fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace. From outlying areas, it is easier to take a tram or bus to the stop near Kalemegdan. Entry to the fortress grounds is free, so you can walk around at any time.

Is it worth going to the zoo and the Nikola Tesla Museum with children?

Yes, children enjoy both places. The zoo by the fortress walls has albino animals and tame animals, and at the Nikola Tesla Museum the guided tour includes real lightning experiments. Just do not feed the animals and bring cash in dinars: cards are not accepted everywhere.

In short: what to book

If you have two days and want to see as much as possible, start with the fortress and Kalemegdan, and leave the museums for the second day. If you are traveling with children, add the zoo and the Nikola Tesla Museum. If you want to see the city from above, go up the Avala Tower and the Millennium Tower. If you want to relax by the water, head to Ada Ciganlija.

The selection matrix is simple. If you are short on time: choose the fortress, the Church of Saint Sava and Skadarlija. If you have a day for museums: choose the National Museum and the House of Flowers. If you are looking for peace and quiet: choose Jevremovac, Topčider and Rakovica Monastery.

To avoid waiting in line at the entrance, it is better to book tickets and tours in advance: choose Belgrade tours.

Belgrade: 30 main attractions, tickets and opening hours