You will be pleased to know that it is worth spending just 1 day in Belgrade. The city itself is quite small and walkable compared to many other European capitals. To make the best out of your day in Belgrade, I would recommend taking a morning walking tour, followed by one of the many museums or a Danube cruise in the afternoon. If you are a party animal, there are SO many amazing bars and clubs in Belgrade, so do stay there overnight to enjoy the nightlife.
Getting to Belgrade from the Airport
There is a regular bus that goes from the Airport to Belgrade city centre (bus A1), but you will need small change in Serbian Dinars (300 Dinars the last time I checked), so make sure that you have some ready. You might have to order Serbian currency in advance of your trip. The bus from Nikola Tesla Airport to Belgrade takes around 45 minutes.
However, if you only have 1 day in Belgrade then I would recommend taking an airport transfer in Belgrade. It is better to book your taxi in advance. Otherwise, you could have inconvenience with the taxi drivers offering their services at the airport.
1 Day in Belgrade – AM
On the morning of your day in Belgrade, join a walking tour to see the most of what the city has on offer. Walking tours in Belgrade will cover the main city sights including:
Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park
Belgrade Fortress is an amazing experience – an old citadel and park on the conference of the main rivers in Belgrade – the river Sava and river Danube. The fortress was built as a part of the defence system which was protecting Belgrade from the Ottoman invasion after the Siege of Belgrade in 1456.
Knez Mihailova Street
This main shopping street in Belgrade stretches from Stari Grad to the Belgrade Fortress. It’s great for fashion shopping, souvenirs and general browsing. You will probably see a lot of buskers and hawkers along this street.
Republic Square
Republic square is one of the most well known squares in Belgrade. At the centre of the square you will find a statue of Prince Mihailo on his trusty steed. There are some outstanding pieces of architecture on Republic square including the National Theatre and the National Museum.
Sava Church
Sava Church is often referred to as Belgrade’s ‘La Sagrada Familia!’ – the Church that is still being built! It’s an Orthodox Church dedicated to Saint Sava.
1 Day in Belgrade – PM
There are several options for how you might choose to spend the afternoon in Belgrade. Many people like to take a cruise down the Danube for a view of the city from the water. Others like to explore some of the exciting museums – I loved the Tesla Museum the most!
Evening – Drinking on Skadarlija
An evening in Belgrade is all about the booze! Head to Skadarlija, Belgrades cobbled street that becomes a watering hole by night. Make sure that you try the local drink ‘Rakia!’
You might also like to head to one of my favourite bars in Belgrade – the Witch Bar on Pariska 13.
Great for Halloween!
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about the best cities to visit in France.