Where to stay in Belgrade? Our guide to the city’s neighborhoods

Belgrade has a peculiar gritty charm. It may not bewitch you at first glance like Prague or Budapest, but give it a little time, and you’ll appreciate the rich and multi-layered narrative, characteristic of many cities in the Balkans.

Modern Belgrade incorporates shadows of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, art nouveau chic and socialist Yugoslavian monumentalism, remnants of medieval fortresses and grim reminders of NATO bombings in the 1990s. Now, these relics of the country’s tumultuous history seamlessly combine with delicious local bakeries, modern art spaces, and endless partying at splavovi (clubs and restaurants on barges) along the Danube.

To explore as many points of interest as possible during your vacation in Belgrade, it is essential to choose the right location for your stay in the city. Below we’ve attempted to compile a brief guide on where to stay in Belgrade — top neighborhoods and their comparative advantages.

Article contents

1. The best areas to stay in Belgrade
   1.1. Stari Grad and Dorćol — for a first-time visitor
   1.2. Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront — for nightlife
   1.3. Vračar, Palilula, Dedinje — for a taste of local life
   1.4. Novi Beograd — for shopping
   1.5. Zemun — for a comfortable and quiet vacation
2. Our list of 10 coolest Belgrade hotels and hostels (sorted by price)
3. Our tips for traveling to Belgrade

Where to stay in Belgrade for the first time?

We’ve visited Belgrade more than once over the years, both as regular tourists and as travel connoisseurs. Our favorite neighborhood is Dorćol — it has a great location, urban charm, and historical architecture. Accommodation in the city is easy to find even for a first-time visitor. Note that if you’re pondering on the topic of where to stay in Belgrade for the first time, an Airbnb might not be the way to go (although it does provide a more authentic experience):

• A surprising number of studios are located in the basement, meaning excessive dampness and a lack of natural light. This is not necessarily stated upfront, so make sure to check.
• Not all apartments have central heating in the winter, which means that you’ll come home to a room that takes time to warm.

Because of these facts, we would encourage you to look into hotels (Booking.com is a great service to find the best deals on stays) if you’re visiting Belgrade for the first time ever. They are more reliable and upfront with their fees and services. If you need to be pointed in a particular direction right away (though our article has dozens of great hotel options that we will get into further down), see if you like these particular hotels:

• 2* Good People Design Hostel (from €25 per night) — a great budget hostel located in what is possibly the best area to stay in Belgrade;
• 4* Le Petit Piaf (from €90 per night) — a charming hotel with artsy décor, located in the heart of Belgrade’s bohemian district and perfect for couples and lone travelers alike.

Now that the more hurried readers have gotten their answers, let’s look into the particulars of each neighborhood on our list. Here we go!

The best areas to stay in Belgrade

We may be biased, but we believe that the best neighborhoods to stay in Belgrade are Dorćol, Vračar and Palilula, which are all close to Stari Grad and just around the corner from the most touristic areas. These facts make the neighborhoods convenient for sightseeing, but not as crowded and with a more authentic atmosphere. Still, it’s a matter of taste, so we also added the best areas around the city center (and a couple more suburban-leaning neighborhoods) to the list for you to make up your mind.

Stari Grad and Dorćol — where to stay for a first-time visitor

• Stari Grad contains multitudes: Narrow cobblestone streets, vast and leafy parks, a plethora of architectural marvels, a quirky art scene, and so many excellent culinary gems that you cannot possibly try them all!

One of the top answers to a Google search of “where do tourists live in Belgrade?” is undoubtedly Stari Grad — the beating heart of the city that encompasses a few of its most exciting neighborhoods (the eclectic and historical Dorćol and tiny and bohemian Skadarlija are usually the ones in question). The municipality of Stari Grad, or Old Town, offers the quintessential Belgrade experience, and that’s why it’s perfect for travelers who only intend to stay in the city for one night or so.

When it comes to finding a suitable accommodation in the area, you can relax: The options here are plentiful, from boutique hotels and international chains to hip and modern hostels, to even private apartments — Stari Grad is truly your oyster, no matter how choosy you are with your potential place of residence. Unsurprisingly, accommodation in the Old Town is not cheap, but you get the great setting to go with the breakfast buffet and great service. Imagine rolling out of bed and having your morning coffee with a view of some charming ancient building, — the heightened price tag is justified, in our opinion!

When it comes to a particular area where you should stay in Belgrade’s Stari Grad, you have a few options at hand:

• If you like to be right in the middle of things, stay around Kalemegdan (a huge park containing the ruins of the Belgrade Fortress, popular among tourists and locals alike) or the Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone — main pedestrian street in the city, famous for its seemingly endless shopping opportunities.
• Skadarlija, a small artistic quarter that is touted as Belgrade’s Montmartre, is set further away from the park. However, don’t expect it to be any less crowded — Skadarlija attracts plenty of tourists with its enchanting little back streets (the area is particularly entrancing at night, when the cobble stones reflect the soft light from the low-hanging street lamps). It is also relatively expensive, but you could find a good deal if you look hard enough (don’t worry, we’ll give you the pointers you’ll need).
• Dorćol, located closer to the Danube side of the Old City Center, is more laid-back. This is the area where we try to stay during our Belgrade adventures, at least when we’re not in the mood to try anything new: Dorćol is familiar, and you’ll get the same vibe even if it’s your first time staying here, — the atmosphere of the neighborhood is that homey!

Where to stay in Stari Grad:
🏨 2* Good People Design Hostel (from €25 per night) — located in Dorćol, this hostel combines modern minimalistic design with a very cozy homelike atmosphere. It has a variety of clean and cozy rooms, from dorms to family accommodations.
🏨 4* Maison Royale (from €50 per night) — set on the lively Knez Mihailova street in a beautiful light-blue building, this hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay: Top-notch service and outstanding amenities. Plus, it’s pet friendly!
🏨 4* Belgrade Inn Garni Hotel (from €120 per night) — a stylish hotel that is famous for its great location (in Skadarlija, near the Republic Square) and spick-and-span rooms. An addition of a hearty breakfast buffet (a tradition vigorously upkept by most Serbian establishments) truly sets the hotel apart from the rest!

Where to eat in Stari Grad*:

*Trust us when we say it — you will never find yourself starving while in Belgrade’s city center.

• Some of the best coffee in Belgrade can be found on Gospodar-Jevremova street, a couple of blocks east of Kalemegdan Park — Valentina i Karanfil, Chernyi Cooperative, D59B
• If you are a vegetarian or simply want a break from high cholesterol Serbian fare, Super Donkey near Skadarlija serves excellent vegetarian food. It’s a perfect spot for a light lunch if you plan on indulging in a heavier dinner somewhere else!
• Mezestoran Dvoriste is a great place to have some Mediterranean dishes. In fact, it’s so amazing that it got a mention in the Michelin guide!

Things to do and places to see in Stari Grad:
🔹 Kalemegdan — a park and an observation point (best view of the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers) combined into one location! The attractions inside this vast green city escape are so varied it will take days to see it all. Start at the iconic Belgrade Fortress and, after exploring its many sights, go underground — that way, you’ll get to learn Belgrade’s history from a very different perspective! If you are traveling with kids, keep an eye out for Dino Park — a flock of dinosaurs on the lawn (if the unmoving toothy creatures aren’t that exciting for your younglings, head on over to the Belgrade Zoo). Whatever you do, don’t miss the ivy-covered Ružica Church, one of the oldest in Belgrade, when exploring the park — it’s a small but powerful religious destination.
🔹 National Museum of Serbia — largest and oldest museum in Belgrade (curated to a T!), perfect for rainy day outings surrounded by great art and rich history!
🔹 Knez Mihailova Street — besides being an obvious showcase of Belgrade’s legendary historical architecture, it’s the main promenade of the city, always bustling with activity — street performers, restaurants, souvenir stalls, and antique shops are abound here!

🔹 Skadarlija — a very picturesque area that is teeming with cafes and restaurants. Head here for lunch on one of the terraces and enjoy the plentiful flower beds, trees, cobbled streets, and the atmosphere. Instagram-worthy shots are waiting for you here, so dress up a little!
🔹 Dorćol — explore this ancient market district full of kafanas (traditional tavern-like cafés and coffeehouses), small galleries, historical buildings and hidden gems like the last mosque in Belgrade — Bajrakli Mosque. Check out Dorćol Platz — a cultural space that houses art events, exhibitions, craft fairs, etc.

Stari Grad Pros:
+ central location, with lots of notable attractions in the area
+ plenty of green spaces to relax or have a picnic in
+ rich history and beautiful architecture
+ pedestrian-friendly areas
+ great dining and shopping options; wonderful nightlife!

Stari Grad Cons:
— pretty expensive accommodation options
— usually very crowded, especially during peak tourist season

Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront — where to stay for nightlife

• Savamala is one of the most colorful areas in what otherwise is known as “White City” (literally colorful, we haven’t seen that many graffiti pieces anywhere else in Belgrade). Now on the cusp of gentrification (or a renaissance, however you want to look at it), with a massive project taking up the waterfront area, it’s the topic of debate between locals and city officials. Still beautiful though, and great for anyone with a creative drive (very Brooklyn-esque!): From food lovers to gallery goers, this is a place of indulgence in something greater than yourself!

Savamala is located along the banks of the Sava River. It used to be known as the shabby part of town, the one where you should never stay in, but it has since reinvented itself as a hip bohemian area, one of the centers of Belgrade nightlife, with lots of music venues, cultural centers, and interesting street art sprinkled among historical architecture. At the moment, it is one of the areas where it is best to stay for a tourist in the city.

The strip along the Sava river houses some of the best and liveliest restaurants and Spanish-style tapas bars in Belgrade and makes for an excellent stroll in daytime or pub crawl at night. Savamala is a convenient base for those who travel to or from Belgrade by bus, as Belgrade’s main bus station is located here. However, the park adjacent to the bus station and Old Belgrade Railway Station (decommissioned a few years ago) seems kind of creepy at night, so now there’s one rotten apple of the neighborhood that you’re familiar with!

A few years ago, a large-scale development project called Belgrade Waterfront got underway, and it partially covers the Savamala area (with now updated plans that look to bite a chunk of Novi Beograd as well). Some locals see it as a long-awaited modernization of the city, while others protest that it is robbing Belgrade, and in particular the Savamala district, of its unique look and atmosphere. Belgrade Waterfront is still under construction, but it already seems to offer some sleek and modern, albeit somewhat generic, accommodation options.

Where to stay in Savamala:
🏨 3* Savamala Bed & Breakfast (from €50 per night) — a tastefully designed hotel in a beautiful historical building. Very retro, very charming!
🏨 3* Hotel Rex (from €50 per night) — clean and understated accommodations at great value. What can be seen as strictly a business hotel (it does have a few conference rooms you can use), its proximity to Belgrade’s historical locations makes it so much more valuable to an ordinary tourist. A friendly service is a cherry on top of Hotel Rex, the one thing you can always expect from its staff is welcoming attitude and readiness to help.
🏨 4* Hotel Townhouse 27 (from €180 a night) — a chic boutique hotel set on a quiet little street; the location that still lets you have a good night’s rest while remaining in the center of all the action. With very London-like interiors (in our minds, all upscale amenities and luxurious design choices scream British taste) and a serene garden patio, the hotel creates an ambiance that is synonymous with a pleasant time!

Where to eat in Savamala:

• If you want to enjoy a river view and a nice meal at the same time, take a gander at Buddha Bar — Belgrade’s most stylish Asian fusion restaurant. While undoubtedly pricey, the inspired menu is worth the extra cash. If you’re on a strict budget, explore Kc Grad — while not a nightclub, it is a modern cultural space with a restaurant that houses workshops, art events, and music performances.
• Samavala also has a great pub — Samo Pivo; a great spot for beer lovers with a wide selection of different kinds of this brewed and fermented beverage at affordable prices and a nice big terrace. Cash only.
• Cantina de Frida — our favorite restaurant in the area that we wish to come back to in the future. An homage to the legendary Frida Kahlo, what is essentially a tapas bar is always filled to the brim: Mexican and Mediterranean influences make the dishes so addicting it’s hard to leave without trying everything at least once.

Things to do and places to see in Savamala:
🔹 Street art in Savamala — Belgrade has produced a number of original street artists, most of whom have gotten international acclaim. Murals and graffiti are by no means confined to Savamala, but the district has a fair share of them, including the iconic “Ghost people of Savamala” — a series of works representing the plight of local residents (they are not at all scary, despite the name, even leaning on friendly!).
🔹 Belgrade Promenade and Sava Embankment — the banks of the Sava river make for a long and entertaining walk both in the daytime and after dusk, allowing you to catch a glimpse into the city’s past and present along the way. Brankov Bridge over the river is a popular hotspot for photo-ops, so come here early if you don’t want other eager tourists in your picture!
🔹 Nightlife — Savamala is one of the best neighborhoods of Belgrade for nightlife. It has a fine selection of bars and clubs, many featuring live music. Most of them are located around Brankov Bridge.

Savamala Pros:
+ close location to Stari Grad and all its major attractions
+ river access; beautiful pedestrian-friendly waterfront
+ lively atmosphere and plenty of art-centered venues
+ lots of nightlife options; a varied culinary landscape

Savamala Cons:
— ongoing construction
— can get quite noisy

Vračar, Palilula, Dedinje — where to stay for a taste of local life

Why have we decided to group these three neighborhoods together? Well, they are not that far from the city center (that means easy access to Stari Grad’s top sites), but more laid-back and relaxed than the aforementioned Old Town; they all have a more local feel, and they are way more affordable! So, while they are not adjacent to each other, they have a lot of things in common, and that is why you should consider these neighborhoods for your next getaway to Belgrade.

• Vračar

Vračar offers a perfectly well-rounded experience: Landmark-wise, it’s on par with Stari Grad; vibe-wise, it’s truly unmatched! It’s a central district, though more down-to-earth and locals-driven; the timely public transport making the area all the more desirable for a stay (or permanent residency, as the area is home to quite a significant number of expats). Vračar is convenient if you are arriving to or leaving Belgrade by train and need a place for a short stopover, as it is now home to Belgrade’s main railway station, Belgrade Centre, also known as Prokop.

• Palilula

Palilula might cause some confusion when looking for a place to stay in Belgrade, because it is also the name of a large municipality, which encompasses neighborhoods across the Danube. So, if you’re booking accommodation in Palilula, make sure to check the exact location (otherwise you’ll end up in the suburbs). Palilula feels like a close-knit community, and this homey feel is sometimes exactly what you need in a new location. Note that there are fewer major tourist attractions here compared to its predecessors on our list, and the nightlife of these charming quarters is way tamer.

• Dedinje

Set further south from Vračar (and the city center, obviously), Dedinje is best described as Belgrade’s Beverly Hills (minus the palm trees). Its assortment of stately villas and foreign embassies makes for a nice detour if you have time to spare. Very green, Dedinje is known for its clean air (which is not Belgrade’s forte). The upscale area comes with a considerable increase in accommodation prices, and the limited public transport options create a significant pothole in your travel budget (it’s better to rent a car you do decide to stay here).

Where to stay in Vračar, Palilula, Dedinje:
🏨 3* Hotel Slavija (Vračar; from €45 a night) — close both to the Temple of Saint Sava and the Nikola Tesla Museum, this hotel is a great budget-friendly option in the area. While the amenities could use a little revamp, the hotel still offers great value for the price of its rooms.
🏨 3* Hotel Vozarev (Palilula; from €50 a night) — clean dwellings and fully stocked on-site bar; it cannot get any better than this!
🏨 4* Belgrade Boutique House (Dedinje; from €55 a night) — the hotel masterfully marries welcoming and familial service with upscale, even luxurious, interiors; it’s a perfect combination in our book!

Where to eat in Vračar, Palilula, Dedinje:

• Walter (Vračar) — traditional Serbian grill; let your nose guide you to this outstanding BBQ joint. The food here is plate-licking good. Don’t believe us? Come here and try their Pljeskavica — the meat dish that combines different types of this protein; you will not be disappointed!
• Lula fine espresso bar (Palilula) — great little coffeeshop that serves amazing coffee and even better hot chocolate. Their desserts are also something to write home about!
• Franš Restaurant (Dedinje) — a fine dining restaurant that is straight out of a fairytale: Gorgeous setting is closely combined with nature, and the menu here is inspirational to say the least!

Things to do and places to see in Vračar, Palilula, Dedinje:
🔹 Sveti Sava Temple — the biggest Orthodox Church in Serbia. It’s not a particularly ancient one; rather, it’s sparkling new, but impressive nonetheless, with colorful frescos, mosaics, and a stunning golden crypt.
🔹 Nikola Tesla Museum — a moral obligation of any tourist coming to the city is to visit the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, as the scientist and the inventor is an absolute cult figure in the Serbian capital. The museum can only be visited with a guided tour, conducted in Serbian or English (no need to book in advance). It’s better this way — without the explanation the exhibits would be unintelligible to most but the true science buffs. The tour ends with some pretty spectacular experiments.
🔹 Kalenić Market — this big outdoor market in Vračar opens daily at 6 a.m. Whether you come to shop or just to look around, this traditional marketplace is quite entertaining and has plenty of local delicacies and fresh produce. It’s not a tourist affair, but a straightforward local establishment. There is also a flea market section.
🔹 Little Theatre “Duško Radović” — this Palilula establishment is a must-visit if you’re traveling to Belgrade with children. Look at their repertoire online and choose a play or a puppet show that will best suit your family.
🔹 Topčider Park — set further away from the city center, in Dedinje, this vast park is beloved by locals as a picnic spot. Residence of Prince Milos, a beautiful Ottoman-style 19th-century house that is now a part of the Historical Museum of Serbia, is also located here.
🔹 If you happen to be in Dedinje, head further to Ada Ciganlija — it’s a popular space to have fun in among locals and tourists. Except for the beach, it has plenty of facilities like adventure parks, golf clubs, and bike rentals here. Perfect for a family visit.

Novi Beograd — where to stay for shopping

• The “new” Belgrade, or Novi Beograd, is an area that is so different from the neighborhoods we’ve mentioned so far that it’s hard to believe that we’re still in the same city. The unique architecture that some describe as gray and soul-less is exciting memorabilia still left over from the era of socialism, but the atmosphere of the neighborhood is all new: Contemporary spaces, like shopping malls and business centers run gamut in Novi Beograd.

Novi Beograd was once a simple marsh — whether your mind goes to the book “Where the Crawdads Sing” or straight to Shrek (either way, we’re with you), it’s hard to imagine that wetland to look the way it does today. Sure, it’s mostly gray in color, but the details and resident-forward efforts that were put into planning the many blocks of Novi Beograd makes it an exciting destination to explore.

The district is impressive in its own way, and, apart from endless blocks of near-identical apartment houses, is known for its wide boulevards with lots of parking spaces and plenty of greenery (so the marsh isn’t completely gone, at least in spirit).

The New Belgrade might hold some interest for those who have never visited Eastern Europe before and want to catch a glimpse of what the socialist era architecture looked like back then. Right now, Novi-Beograd is also home to some of the city’s coolest places — floating hotels and hostels, located along the banks of Danube, in the large park stretching west from the Museum of Contemporary Art. They are hip, relaxed and often eco-themed, with add-ons like fishing, barbecue grills, picnic areas, and bike rentals being the most sought-after essentials for a great time here.

Where to stay in Novi Beograd:
🏨 2* ArkaBarka Floating Hostel (from €35 per night) — an amazing hostel (and hotel) that has rooms for couples and families (or groups of friends) alike. The floating terrace is all the rage here; however, we encourage you to make it your breakfast spot, and not dinner: Evenings on the river usually go hand in hand with swarms of mosquitos, especially in the height of summer. If you have thick skin though, then please, enjoy a quiet evening with relaxing view of the water.
🏨 3* Putnik Inn Belgrade (from €70 per night) — located not too far from the Danube River, this hotel offers easy access to waterfront recreational activities. While mostly used as a stay for work trips, what hotel lacks in personality, it makes up for in facilities: Indoor pool and a great SPA center are exactly what you need after a busy day of sightseeing.
🏨 4* Falkensteiner Hotel (from €130 per night) — a very contemporary take on socialist-era architectural code, this hotel takes creative liberties in the design of its exterior. The risk is paid off completely: The trick works, and lots of travelers are lured in with the interesting sight alone. Inside, the hotel’s design ethos is way more restrained, but the list of amenities proves the inclination towards luxury: The spa, fitness center, and the on-site restaurant all help make your stay at Falkensteiner a grand one!

Where to eat in Novi Beograd:

• So I Biber (which translates as “Salt and Pepper”) serves hearty portions of Serbian cuisine at affordable prices in a sleek hipster interior.
• Durmitor is a somewhat grander establishment, very popular with local businessmen despite its unassuming exterior. Again, expect large portions and lots of excellent meat dishes at somewhat higher prices (NB: Durmitor is closed on Sundays).

Things to do and places to see in Novi Beograd:
🔹 Museum of Contemporary Art — while Novi Beograd does not have many tourist attractions, this museum is not to be missed if you have even a passing interest in contemporary art. And if you don’t, the surrounding park with its huge green areas, views of Kalemegdan and Belgrade Downtown, and the modernist building itself still make it worth a visit.
🔹 Splavovi — unique Belgrade facilities, also known as bars and nightclubs on barges (New Belgrade is a fan of floating everything, or so it seems). Splavovi congregate along the banks of the Sava river, opposite the city center. Many venues function in summer only, but there are also a few that are open year-round. Then it’s all ‘party like there is no tomorrow’!
🔹 Delta City — a large popular mall that you can get lost in for hours on end (and do significant damage to your travel budget). Don’t forget to get your energy back by filling up at the food court, and maybe even catch a movie at the cinema inside the mall (a great rainy day activity in New Belgrade).

Novi Beograd Pros:
+ plenty of shopping opportunities
+ well-developed infrastructure
+ vibrant nightlife; plenty of dining options
+ lots of green spaces to hang out at
+ accommodation options for every budget

Novi Beograd Cons:
— not a lot of notable attractions
— can feel repetitive, especially when you’re exploring the many blocks one after another
— lacks historical allure (pre-socialist times) than the neighborhoods closer to the city center have

Zemun — where to stay for a comfortable and quiet vacation

• The neighborhood that was once an independent town, Zemun still feels separated from Belgrade, but not in a bad way! It just feels like a quaint village that has a much slower way of living, it’s low set architecture a testament to the lack of gentrifying ambition and drive that the city centers usually live by. Red roofs, green-ish river, and blue sky as far as the eye can see, — Zemun paints a pretty picture, whether you like it or not.

Zemun is a long walk along the Danube — or a not-so-long taxi ride — from central Belgrade. It goes all the way to the suburbs, but the area between the Sava estuary and the Gardoš Tower is still easily accessible. Zemun offers cheaper accommodation, although due to its location it should probably be considered by those who stay in Belgrade for a week or longer. Then one might savor the atmosphere at a leisurely pace, taking time to stroll along the Danube for people-watching and swan-feeding.

Alternatively, Zemun is a good stopover on your way to or from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, as it is somewhat closer to it than the city center. Zemun is a quaint and atmospheric district that stands apart from other neighborhoods. While Belgrade used to be an Ottoman city, Zemun grew as an outpost of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It still looks like it’s been transported from Austria or Czechia, with its Catholic churches and rows of snug cottages with red-tiled roofs crowding the landscape.

Where to stay in Zemun:
🏨 2* Hostel 1910 (from €20 a night) — located in a (surprise!) house from 1910, the hotel offers communal rooms that are sparkling clean, cozy, and with a nice local vibe.
🏨 3* Side One Design Hotel (from €55 a night) — set on the Danube riverside, this hotel offers spacious rooms and spick-and-span facilities (the on-site restaurant is the talk of the town; or, at least, the neighborhood).
🏨 4* Garni Hotel D10 (from €60 per night) — a reliable option of a hotel that is sleek, modern, and full of light. The staff here is one of the nicest people you will meet in Belgrade; they will help you fulfill any need you can possibly have: They even offer free bikes for you to explore the New Belgrade in an eco-friendlier manner!

Where to eat in Zemun:

• Cafeteria Gardoš — amazing spot that offers indoor and outdoor seating. Both have their upsides: The Bavarian-esque design choices of the building can only be beat by the crazy view that opens up on the stunning Gardoš Tower from the terrace. Get your coffee here and then start exploring Zemun the way God intended: Caffeinated and in a good mood.
• Šaran — the iconic riverside restaurant that serves the best fish dishes you’ll try in Belgrade (hell, in all of Serbia, for that matter!). The catch of the day option paired with skilled chefs create the atmosphere that we love so much; plus, think about all the Omega 3 you’ll be getting!

Things to do and places to see in Zemun:
🔹 Gardoš Tower — a 19th-century brick tower, the main attraction in Zemun, provides a sweeping view of the surroundings, the Danube and the red-tiled neighborhood roofs. There are also some remnants of the earlier Austro-Hungarian fortifications here. It can also be referred to as the Millennium Tower, so do not let this fact confuse you when planning your itinerary! Watching the sunset from the tower’s top proves to be a one-of-a-kind experience you absolutely must have when in Belgrade.
🔹 Zemun Market — a classic European marketplace situated in a square close to a stunning Catholic church. The market is said to have been the center of Zemun life since the 17th century and is still very lively.
🔹 Zemun Quay — while Zemun itself stretches even further, Gardoš Tower is located about 6 km away from the city center, which makes for about a 1,5-hour leisurely walk. The stroll will prove to be a lovely sight: The river bank is dotted with cafes, local swans and ducks are waiting to be fed, locals are hanging out by the water, children and dogs are aplenty, — can you imagine a more serene setting?

Zemun Pros:
+ rich history
+ quaint and peaceful atmosphere
+ not as crowded as the city center
+ river access
+ vibrant local culinary scene (counting the markets as well)

Zemun Cons:
— set far away from the Old Town
— less developed public transport
— virtually no nightlife

Our list of 10 coolest Belgrade hotels and hostels (sorted by price)

If you like to start from the hotel that most speaks to you and then go on exploring the neighborhood it’s set in from there, we’re here to help! This is a selection of our hand-picked Belgrade accommodations for different budgets, in the best areas and neighborhoods.

These do not include apartments, which are usually not as strict about sticking to certain levels of expectations and lack the services most tourists want in their home away from home.

• 2* Hostel El Diablo (from €16 a night) — a youth-oriented budget hostel with great vibes, located in the beautiful area of Skadarlija. A great place to mix with an international crowd. Has dorms and private rooms.
• 2* NapPARK Hostel (from €17 a night) — an incredibly colorful hostel in Dorćol with glowing reviews from travelers. Only offers dorm-style rooms. Book well in advance, as the place is extremely popular.
• 2* San Art Floating Hostel & Apartments (from €50 a night) — a relaxed and hip floating hotel with family rooms as well as doubles and twins. Offers bike rentals and boating trips.
• 3* B&B Botel Charlie (from €65 a night) — a Danube-based floating hotel, with an open deck, a spacious lounge, and family rooms. Fishing gear can be rented and there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in some bird-watching here.
• 4* Garni Hotel Zavicaj (from €80 a night) — with exterior that will make Wes Anderson reach for the camera, this hotel set in the gorgeous Vračar neighborhood is a true favorite among the travelers that come to Belgrade with a certain level of expectations. The beautifully designed rooms (with a color palette swathed in neutral colors) make for a great respite from the hustle and bustle of the area.
• 4* Male Stepenice (from €100 a night) — an elegant hotel with spacious rooms, a terrace and a garden, right next to Kalemegdan (location really doesn’t get any better). Has doubles and triples.
• 4* Hotel Moskva (from €100 a night) — translating to Hotel Moscow, this establishment is a tourist site in its own right. The empire-style building is one of Belgrade’s iconic landmarks. Old-time luxury and grandeur reign inside. The hotel boasts its own spa and fitness center, car rental, and an equally grand restaurant.
• 4* Central Point Hotel Belgrade (from €110 a night) — a relatively new hotel in Vračar, set in a modern building incorporating an old residence. The designers went for timeless elegance and class. Has a fitness center, and a car and bike rental.
• 4* Boutique Hotel Museum (from €140 a night) — a very stylish hotel on a pedestrian street right in the heart of Stari Grad. Features a fitness center, a terrace with a stunning view, and a very good restaurant.
• 4* Mama Shelter (from €140 a night) — a legendary establishment across the road from Kalemegdan. Colorful interior design is pure eye candy. Offers doubles and spacious family rooms.

Our tips for traveling to Belgrade

While we already spoke a bit on the topic of things to know before coming to Belgrade in our detailed city itinerary, we cannot possibly leave you hanging without mentioning at least a few tips we feel should be of use to you:

• Our personal favorite out of all the best places to stay in Belgrade is Dorćol: Its quiet streets, historical architecture, and abundance of small cafes makes for a pleasant setting we want to come back to again and again.
• For those wondering where to stay in Belgrade, Serbia (at least up until this moment, we feel like we’ve answered this question thoroughly in here), you can find plenty of options on the usual sites like Booking and Agoda.
• Things to do in Belgrade are numerous, and if you plan to visit, we recommend you to set aside some time (although it’s possible to see the top sights in mere one to three days). Belgrade is generally a very walkable city and is best explored at a leisurely pace, taking time for detours, slow walks by the river, and late-morning coffee.
• Coffee seems to be the national drink in Serbia and tea is rarely more than tea-bags. So a tip for fellow tea-lovers: When in Vračar, head to Salon de The by Small Tree — an exquisite establishment with a wide selection of brews. They also sell tea leaves (vital info for expats).
• Make sure to explore local bakeries. Cakes and pastries are great, and your average local shop is sure to have some irresistible specialty. For one, check out Ferdinand Knedle that sells sweet and savory knedles, or round dumplings, and has three branches on both sides of the Sava river.
• If you’re thinking of bringing your dog on your trip to Belgrade, by all means do, because dogs reign supreme here, and the number of accommodations that welcomes them is surprisingly high (but be sure to check in advance with the one you decide to book).
• If you’re not a fan of creating your own city itinerary, then, by all means, get a tour: This Belgrade Neighborhoods one can help you settle on the area that you find most suitable for your stay, while Sightseeing Cruises will help you relax and watch the city landmarks’ reflections glisten in the water.

We hope that our guide eased up your stress at least in some way: Now you have a pretty good idea of where you want to stay in Belgrade, even if you’ve never been here before. To make your job of planning your Belgrade getaway even easier, we have created a map with all the neighborhoods and hotels listed in the article. Make sure to use it to have a clear picture of where everything is in relation to each other.

If you have your own opinion on where to stay in Belgrade for tourists or tips for visiting the city, please share them in the comments down below. Also, if any questions were to arise when reading the article, write them down there as well: We’re always more than happy to elaborate on the topic!