Planning a trip around one of the oldest European cities, but you don’t want to spend much money? No problem! We present you 10 attractions of the capital city which you will enjoy and not spend a dime on it.
1. A symbol of the city on the confluence of two rivers
First thing that crosses your mind when you think of Belgrade and the most beautiful view of Sava and the Danube, is Belgrade Fortress, for sure. Walking down the Gornji and Donji grad in the shadow of the centuries old tall towers, will make you know history better than from any other book. But that’s not it. Detour of Kalemegdan will make you meet with the capital city, people who live here and kind of specific spirit that makes this city so special.
When you wish for a break from discovering hidden corners of the fortress, we suggest you find a bench, take your seat and relax with the most beautiful view of the confluence of the two rivers on which the Belgrade was built. That is your opportunity to see for yourselves whether the viewpoints of Kalemegdan are truly eternal or not and at the same time to enjoy one of the best thing you can do for free in the Serbia’s capital city.
2. Hands that connect the people
We are talking about the bridges, of course. Walking around and seeing the buildings that have been connecting the old and new parts of Belgrade for years, is utterly interesting and completely free of charge tour that will cheer you up. Gazela, Brankov most, Stari savski most, Novi železnički and Pančevački most, will reveal you Belgrade from other point of view. There is, of course, Most na Adi or Novi most, which slowly turns into a big attraction.
Extraordinary stories and unique charm of Belgrade’s bridges will easily take you in. If you don’t have enough time on your hands to dedicate your time to each of them, decide which ones you prefer the best. We suggest Brankov most to the lovers of history, Gazela to those who enjoy the unusual architecture, and Most na Adi to those in love with modern design.
3. Bohemian heart of Belgrade
Cobbled streets and sounds of a tambourine will take you on a trip down the memory lane. Back to the times when carriages drove down the streets of Belgrade, and gentlemen with their hats on walking around, and authentic coffee was served in the first European kafana. So, a walk down Skadarlija is really a walk down the street where artists once had been writing and created, famous actors rested after their plays, and musicians waited for daylight.
This is also a place where you will see the largest number of old, Serbian kafanas. Even today you can hear the recognizable sound of tambourine and harmonica coming out from them, making the scent of traditional specialties even more beautiful. That is why it represents one-of-a-kind experience being a part of this interesting quarter in the very heart of Belgrade, and why not wake the bohemian in yourselves.
4. The largest Orthodox temple of the Balkans
You don’t need to guess twice. Visible from every approaching point of the city, Saint Sava Temple on Vračar, has a special place in the hearts of people from Belgrade, but also in the hearts of tourists who have visited it. A picture of this magnificent building at Belgrade’s horizon toured the world, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that every tourist wants to see the temple first. And why wouldn’t they?
The temple was built in Serbian-Byzantine style, covered in white marble and has a capacity to accept 10.000 believers. In front of the place where thousands of people celebrate Christmas and Orthodox New Year, there are Karađorđev Park and National Library. All together, they make a whole and a special part of Belgrade, in whose importance and beauty you can enjoy for free.
5. View of Belgrade from the cloud
Wanna know how does the panorama of the capital city look like? And for a good reason! Sightseeing of Belgrade “from the cloud” could be very interesting, especially from the vicinity mountain. But, Avala is not just an ordinary mountain near Belgrade. Avala is a landmark of Belgrade, a mountain giant covered in the veil of mystery and legends, a favorite picnic point and a sign that you are approaching the capital city.
Still, a unique view from beautiful viewpoints is something that makes Avala so special. If you’re already here, you shouldn’t miss seeing the monumental complex, a Monument to the Unknown hero, Avala tower or a birthplace of Stepa Stepanović. Enjoying the deciduous and pine tree parks, is something you shouldn’t miss either.
6. City oasis of greenery
If you want to exchange the unpleasant smell of exhaust gasses for pleasant nature scent, then visiting one of the Belgrade parks is the best solution. The capital city has a lot of similar places, and Košutnjak and Topčider Park are the most famous ones. These city oases are favorite locations for recreation, resting, picnic and enjoying all the boons of nature.
Besides the important natural, above mentioned parks are full of cultural and historical treasures that make this tour even more interesting. Besides Košutnjak and Topčider Park, popular are also Pionirski, Studentski, Manjež, Tašmajdan, Gradski park in Zemun etc. Whichever you decide to visit, one is for sure- you will have fun, for free!
7. The Belgrade Sea
Another greenery oasis and one-of-a-kind ecological point full of flora and fauna is something you simply must visit. Trust us, there is always something going here and it never gets boring. That is why Ada Ciganlija is one of the favorite places for recreation, sport activities, but also for crazy nights out.
Something you won’t need your money for is a walk around the lake. Detour of Ada will give you enjoyment in completely untouched parts of wild nature, sightseeing of numerous cafes, restaurants, sport courts and a view of rays of sun, sparkling on top of the lake. In summer, visitors of Belgrade Sea come here for a swim and enjoy the refreshing cocktails and Sun.
8. Across the streets of Belgrade
They say that people get to know the city the best by walking down its hidden streets and passages. When that city is Belgrade, then the claim is completely true. Walking is for free, and it also represents a kind of recreation, so it is recommended. So, let’s begin. First stop for majority of tourists is Knez Mihailova Street- the well-known pedestrian zone with a number of representative buildings and houses from 19th century.
Numerous brands have their stores here, but it is also full of cafes and restaurants, as well as street performers that always cheer up the passers-by. If you, still, want something calmer, we suggest a walk down Balkanska Street and Kralja Petra Street. These parts of the capital are full of history and interesting buildings, and majority of streets on Dorćol, the older part of the city, will give you the unforgettable experience.
9. Charming Belgrade beauty
That is Zemun, unshakable guardian of authentic atmosphere of bygone times, which seduces the visitors of the capital city. The soul of once most beautiful border city of Austria, sleeps in the old quarter, Gardoš, above the blue Danube with the famous “Millennial tower” from 1896. In order to experience the energy and the beauty, you have to see this place in person.
Different atmosphere and architecture that rules this part of the city, will make you feel like you’re not in Belgrade anymore. Our recommendation is to indulge yourselves in the charms of the famous Danube Quay, detour around Sibinjanina Janka Tower and walk around Glavna Street and Zemun Park. Completely free of charge tour through history, culture and nature.
10. Murals and street art
Did you know that Belgrade is also called a capital of murals and museums? These kinds of art adorn the facades of the capital city, and the most famous ones are murals of Savamala. In this part of the city, you can see unique and unusual murals by foreign and domestic artists. The most famous one is “La Santa de Beograd” which welcomes the passengers when entering the city.
Every mural has its own meaning and story. That is why this makes a unique opportunity to enjoy the valuable artistic endeavor because of which some of the greatest names of world street art scene came to Belgrade. Of course, this is also for free, but it’s worth it!
What else would you add to this list?
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