Darija Stojanovic 
Getting ready to visit Belgrade, Serbia? How great, welcome to my home country and our vibrant capital! I’m a local Serbian and have spent months in Belgrade for work, study, and leisure. So I know exactly where to stay in Belgrade for the best experience.
In this ultimate guide on the best areas to stay in Belgrade, I pinpoint the 6 top places to stay for a memorable trip! I also cherry-picked top-rated hotels in each area and divided them by budget so you can easily book your favorite!
Stay in the Old Town (Stari Grad) for your first visit to Belgrade: it is central, walkable and home to Kalemegdan Fortress and the best nightlife. Pick Vracar for families, Savski Venac for riverside bars, and Zemun for old-world charm.
Before we start, I highly recommend you book your hotel in Belgrade as soon as possible to take advantage of the best deals!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Book the best hotels in Belgrade’s Old Town and get the adventure started now:
I made this map to help you visualize the best areas to stay in Belgrade:
- Old Town: for first timers
- Terazije: for an urban stay
- Vračar: for families
- Savski Venac: a trendy place
- Novi Beograd: like a local
- Zemun: for couples & nature
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Stari Grad) | First-timers, nightlife | Central, historic, walkable | Square Nine Hotel (9.5) |
| Terazije | Central urban base | Busy central squares | Hotel Moskva (8.9) |
| Vracar | Families | Leafy, residential, foodie | Hilton Belgrade (9.1) |
| Savski Venac / Savamala | Trendy riverside nightlife | Arty, lively bars | Nobel Gallery Hotel (8.9) |
| Zemun | Charm, riverside | Old-world, relaxed | Garni Hotel D10 (9.6) |
1. Old Town (Stari Grad) – where to stay in Belgrade, Serbia, for the first time
Old Town is the very core of Belgrade. We call it Stari Grad in Serbian (literally “Old City”) because it is one of the oldest parts of our capital. Together with Savski Venac and Vracar (read more about them below), Old Town is part of the greater City Center.
Whenever I have guests coming over, I take them to see attractions in this part of the city. The Kalemegdan Fortress and its Victor Monument (map) are the symbol of Belgrade, and given their uphill location at the confluence of two rivers (Danube and Sava), they make the most beautiful place for catching the sunset in town!
The most popular pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova (map), connects Kalemegdan with Terazije on one side and Republic Square on the other, both of which are popular tourist hotspots.
This lovely street is lined with quirky cafés, shops, bookstores, institutions, and street musicians, and it’s alive 24/7!
Old Town is also the very center of Belgrade nightlife! Make sure you visit a kafana (traditional Serbian restaurant serving local dishes and playing live Serbian music) in Skadarlija to experience what is, for me, the absolute best way to party. The best kafanas here are Tri Šešira (map) and Dva Jelena (map)! I’ve been to both and had a blast every time!
In short, whether you’re into sightseeing, culture, shopping, nightlife, or history, you’ll find it all in Stari Grad! The area abounds with accommodation, but I just wanted to tell you to be careful and not book too close to Skadarska Street (Skadarlija), especially if you’re visiting in the summer. It can get too noisy at night! I learned this the hard way…
PRO TIP: Get a Belgrade Card for free entrance to the city’s museums, discounts, and freebies at restaurants!
Getting here from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is easy: it is about 18 km (roughly 25 to 30 minutes by taxi or CarGo), or take the A1 minibus to Slavija Square in around 30 minutes, then a short taxi or walk.
This 5-star hotel is adjacent to Knez Mihailo Street, situated in the very Center of the Old Town. It has a lovely indoor pool, a spa and wellness center, 2 on-site restaurants, and a gym. I love the modern and minimalist room décor, too, and would definitely recommend staying here if you want to splurge!
Other accommodation options in Stari Grad
This 4-star hotel has a central location and super clean rooms with wooden furnishings, plus a hearty breakfast
A lovely hostel with a great location featuring dorms and private rooms, ideal for single travelers and couples
Cozy and modern penthouse ideal for couples looking to stay near the hottest nightlife spots
Things to do in Stari Grad
- See Belgrade’s top spots on foot
- Visit the National Museum of Serbia located on Republic Square
- Try local foods like pljeskavica (meat patty) and burek (cheese pastry)
- Have a fun night out in Skadarlija
- Explore Ruzica Church (map), the oldest church in town
- Join the underground tour of the Belgrade Fortress and catch a sunset afterward
- Take a guided boat tour of Belgrade
2. Terazije – an urban place to stay in Belgrade, Serbia
As I mentioned, Terazije is part of the City Center, which begins just as you walk to the end of Knez Mihailo Street toward Terazije Square (map). It offers a mix of very urban vibes, but it’s also a great place for business travelers and those seeking luxury.
Terazije’s central attraction is the stunning Hotel Moskva (map), an old hotel with beautiful architecture that is more like an institution. They have a lovely restaurant on the ground floor with live piano music and delicious food. Sometimes, when I want to spoil myself, I’ll get some desserts and coffee there before or after visiting the Old Town.
You can really feel the big city vibe as you walk down Terazije Street, which is one of the commercial hubs of Belgrade. The vicinity of business and government buildings also means you’ll see more people in suits. In fact, if you’re attending a conference in Belgrade, chances are, it’ll be nearby!
Terazije Square is filled with authentic shops, so if you’re into shopping outside of Knez Mihailova Street, you can have a blast here! Plus, you’ll be just steps away from the beautiful Tasmajdan Park and the St. Mark Orthodox Church (map), both of which are among locals’ favorite places in Belgrade.
From the airport (about 17 km, 25 to 30 minutes by taxi or CarGo), the A1 minibus terminates at Slavija Square, a roughly 10-minute walk from Terazije.
This stunning hotel is probably my favorite place in all of Belgrade! Traditional room décor paired with top-class service, a spa and wellness center, and a fabulous daily breakfast make this hotel every traveler’s dream! After all, you’ll be staying in a hotel that’s also an iconic landmark!
Other accommodation options in Terazije
Here’s yet another iconic hotel and building, but at a more reasonable price, just a few steps from Hotel Moskva
A top-rated budget stay in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for couples and small families
This brand-new, modern apartment has surreal sunset views and a homey vibe, with a minimum stay of 5 nights
Things to do in Terazije
- Join a culinary tour of Belgrade
- Check out the Royal Palace of the Obrenovic dynasty (map)
- Take a selfie at the iconic Terazije Fountain (map)
- Have a fun time at the Museum of Illusions
- Go beer tasting at Samo Pivo (map)
- Visit the Zeleni Venac market (map) for fresh, local produce & people-watching
- Walk to the nearby Nikola Pasic Square (map) and see Serbian government buildings
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3. Vracar – where to stay in Belgrade for families
Vračar (pronounced Varchar; also written Vracar) is one of my favorite Belgrade neighborhoods! It’s nestled in the City Center, so it’s close to all the hustle and bustle of the capital, and yet it’s so peaceful and quiet!
The district is some 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away from the Old Town, and an easy stroll to Vracar takes around 40 minutes. I love walking the picturesque route from Kalemegdan to Saint Sava Temple (map), one of the largest Orthodox Christian temples in the world, located in the heart of Vracar!
Now is the perfect time for a short history lesson (sorry, but it’s really interesting!). Saint Sava was a 12th-century member of a Serbian royal family who brought Christian Orthodoxy to Serbia. Today, he’s regarded as one of the holiest and most respected saints in the country. The Ottomans, who ruled over Serbia for almost 500 years, burned St. Sava’s remains on a hill in Vracar in 1594 as a punishment to Serbs for rebelling against them. On that very spot now lies the glorious St. Sava Temple with impressive frescoes and a surreal crypt!
PRO TIP: Saint Sava Temple has an observatory at the top where you can enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the whole city! Don’t miss it! Just talk to the temple staff, and they’ll arrange a guide to take you there for a fee (around $10).
Aside from important historical sites, Vracar has many lovely parks where kids can play, and it’s also known as Belgrade’s gastronomy hub. You’ll find local bakeries serving delicious cheese pastry called burek, which we love to eat for breakfast! I recommend pairing burek with yogurt (it’s sold in all bakeries) – there’s nothing I love more to start the day!
Apart from St. Sava Temple, the Nikola Tesla Museum is a must-visit attraction in Vracar. There are plans to move this museum to a larger building elsewhere, but for now, you can enjoy learning about the life and work of one of the world’s most important scientists at its old location in Vracar!
The airport is about 18 km away (roughly 30 minutes by taxi or CarGo), and the A1 minibus drops you at Slavija Square, which borders Vracar.
A 4-star hotel in the heart of the district with spacious family suites, complimentary (and delicious, according to reviews) breakfast, 2 on-site restaurants, and a spa and wellness center!
Other accommodation options in Vračar
Beautiful rooms with wooden walls, on-site parking, and an excellent breakfast included in the price
One of Belgrade’s signature hostels with quadruple rooms ideal for families, adjacent to shops and restaurants
An upscale apartment for 4 guests with a mix of modern and vintage elements, easily accessible on foot
Things to do in Vračar
- Visit the crypt and observatory of the Saint Sava Temple
- Go on a full-day sightseeing of Belgrade’s top attractions
- Experiment with Nikola Tesla’s inventions by yourself in his museum
- Try moussaka (eggplant & meat dish) or prebranac (bean stew) in local eateries
4. Savski Venac – the trendiest place to stay in Belgrade
Savski Venac is a large municipality in Belgrade, with many popular districts, including Savamala, Belgrade Waterfront, Autokomanda, Dedinje (the richest district in Belgrade, with celebrity villas), and others.
The area starts South of Terazije, and the parts I recommend staying in include Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront (map), which are closer to the City Center (a 20-minute walk).
Savamala is where I usually stay in Belgrade. This is where the Central Bus Station (map) is, the main point of arrival for buses from across Serbia. Savski Venac also has excellent bus connections to other parts of the city, so it’s ideal to stay here without a car.
In Serbia, we mostly use buses to get from one city to another (other than cars, of course), so staying close to the Central Bus Station is a good idea if you plan to explore other cities in the country. Since I always catch a bus to Belgrade, it makes sense that Savamala is my first choice for accommodation.
Recently, the Belgrade Waterfront area here has seen a multimillion-dollar renovation project, with new luxury residential blocks, shopping malls, and restaurants popping up at every corner.
You’ll now also find a beautiful promenade by the river with lovely sights of the opposite bank of the Sava River, with plenty of cafés from which you can soak in the views. Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one place here, as I’ve been to a bunch of them, and they’re all stunning! You must try coffee at Cafeteria BW (map) and sushi at Buddha Bar (map)!
TRANSPORT TIP: Taxis in Serbia are known for scamming tourists, especially if you catch one near the Central Bus Station. The only way to make sure you won’t get scammed is to order a taxi ride by phone. I usually call Pink Taxi (+381 11 6355000 is their number), they’re reliable and let you pay with a credit card. Most of the taxi apps have really poor ratings, so I don’t recommend them.
It is a quick ride from the airport, about 15-17 km (roughly 25 minutes by taxi or CarGo), with free city buses also serving the area.
This 4-star hotel has an upscale indoor swimming pool, a lovely spa, and a delicious complimentary breakfast. They recently renovated the reception desk and are continuously working to upgrade their services, which makes them one of the most reputable hotels in Belgrade! The hotel is also pet-friendly.
Other accommodation options in Savski Venac
This centrally-located hotel has free breakfast, modern rooms, and a fabulous breakfast
One of my favorite budget places to stay in Belgrade, with free parking and clean rooms
Your home away from home in Belgrade Waterfront with the cutest décor and a perfect rating score on Airbnb
Things to do in Savski Venac
- Go for a walk along the Sava Promenade (map)
- Shop in the fanciest mall in town, Galerija – Beograd
- Catch an event at Cultural Center Grad (map)
- Take a day trip in nature at Ada Ciganlija (map)
- Explore the shops, bars, and restaurants of Belgrade Waterfront
- Tour Crvena Zvezda and Partizan stadiums (the Real Madrid and Barca of Belgrade)
- Visit the Museum of Yugoslavia with the tomb of Tito, the famed Yugoslav president
5. Novi Beograd – where to stay in Belgrade like a local
Novi Beograd (New Belgrade in English) is a large area located across the Sava River from Old Town, and it was planned with a typical socialist architecture popular during the time of Yugoslavia. Novi Beograd mostly consists of residential buildings, large open spaces and boulevards, business centers, and some important landmarks.
Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia, and Montenegro were part of a single country, Yugoslavia, until 1991. Today, you can see neighborhoods like Novi Beograd in cities across these countries.
If you want to experience authentic local life while still being close to tourist attractions, Novi Beograd is a perfect spot. Given the distance from Old Town (a 10-20-minute ride) and the wide boulevards that run through it, it makes sense to stay here with a car. There are also plenty of public transportation options that connect Novi Beograd to Stari Grad.
Points of interest here include the iconic UŠĆE Shopping Center (map) and the floating bars and restaurants along the Sava River known as splavovi. Also, the Museum of Contemporary Art is located here!
I always recommend Novi Beograd to anyone who wants to explore brutalist architecture, since it is where you’ll find most of it! In fact, I pinpoint the best photo spots in my article on things to do in Belgrade, and most of them are in Novi Beograd! Check out activity number 14 in this article to see their locations!
CULTURAL TIP: Serbs are super hospitable toward foreigners. A simple Hvala (Thank you) or Dobar dan (Good day) goes a long way! I even know of stories where foreigners got drinks for free just because they could say a few words in Serbian!
Novi Beograd sits on the closest side of the Sava to the airport, so it is only about 13 to 15 km (roughly 20 minutes by taxi or CarGo), plus the free city buses.
One of Belgrade’s most popular hotels, Hyatt is a perfect place to stay for business travelers and vacationers who want to spoil themselves. The 5-star hotel has a luxurious spa, an inviting restaurant, an indoor pool, and fabulous rooms with super nice views.
Other accommodation options in Novi Beograd
Excellent value for money near the river, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the water
An authentic stay right on the Sava River in this floating hostel with the cutest rooms
A luxury penthouse with panoramic views of the city, ideal for longer stays, suitable for couples and families
Things to do in Novi Beograd
- Take a vintage car tour through Yugoslavian history
- Hang out in floating restaurants like Keops (map) and Gabbiano (map)
- Stroll in the Park Usce (map) and then cross Branko Bridge to the City Center
- Explore the architecture of the Genex Tower (map) and the Palace of Serbia (map)
- Go shopping in the Usce Shopping Center
6. Zemun – the most charming place to stay in Belgrade
Zemun is the area furthest from Old Town, it’s basically considered a town of its own. It’s very close to Novi Beograd and 10 km (6.2 miles) away from Old Town. You can drive or use public transport to get here. A bus ride takes around 35 minutes, while the drive takes around 20.
Zemun is known as a bohemian and romantic spot with cobblestone streets and unique architecture. The architecture here was actually influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ruled over Northern Serbia for hundreds of years.
I wholeheartedly recommend Zemun to couples, since it’s so romantic and also filled with tons of opportunities to spend time in nature. Zemunski Kej (map) is a long promenade along the Danube River and is a signature spot of Zemun!
Another popular landmark here is the Gardoš Tower (map), also known as the Millennium Tower. It was built by Austro-Hungarians in 1896 to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of the settlement of Hungarians in the area. Today, you can climb the tower and appreciate the lovely panoramic views of the Belgrade Fortress.
PRO TIP: In Zemun, you’ll find the most unique ice cream shop in Serbia. Poslasticarnica sa Stavom (map) serves ice cream in flavors such as white wine, brandy, cheese, plum, lavender, and even ajvar (a Balkan condiment made from sweet bell peppers). Best of all, they are handmade and contain no chemicals or additives! A must-try for ice cream lovers!
Zemun is the closest area to the airport, about 12 km northwest toward Surcin (roughly 20 minutes by taxi or CarGo), and free city buses also run here.
Apartments Marconio Wellness Club
One of the most luxurious stays in Belgrade where you can enjoy a spa in your own room! There’s also a wellness center, free parking, an on-site bar, and many other upscale amenities. Past guests say that attention to detail in this place is exceptional!
Other accommodation options in Zemun
This 4-star hotel has bright rooms, a cozy seating area, and a tasty breakfast, making it a great spot for families
Stay near the iconic landmark and enjoy spectacular views of the river and Belgrade
My type of stay with compact rooms, colorful décor, and a cozy terrace where you can have breakfast
Things to do in Zemun
- Climb the Gardos Tower and enjoy the views
- Go on a sightseeing cruise with drinks during the sunset
- Stroll down Zemunski Kej and enjoy the nature
- Take a tour of Veliko ratno ostrvo
- Try authentic ice cream flavors at Poslasticarnica sa Stavom
| 👑 Luxury price: | €150 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €40 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Square Nine Hotel |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Majestic |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hostel Iris |
FAQs about where to stay in Belgrade
📅 How many days in Belgrade is enough?
2-3 days is ideal for exploring Belgrade’s top sights and getting a taste of the local culture. I recommend up to 5 days if you want to include day trips, go museum hopping, and get to know Belgrade in more detail.
✅ Is Belgrade safe?
Yes! Belgrade is safe for tourists. The little crime that exists in the city isn’t targeted at tourists, and the city is known for being welcoming to visitors of all nationalities.
🇷🇸 What is the best part of Belgrade to stay in?
Old Town (Stari Grad in Serbian) is the best place to stay in Belgrade, especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a short visit. It’s the heart of the city and where most of the attractions and the best nightlife are.
💯 How is Belgrade for tourists?
Amazing! Belgrade (and Serbs, in general) are known for being super hospitable to tourists. People show genuine interest in foreigners, and they usually speak English. The Serbian capital is also super walkable and has English-language street signs.
🚶♀️ Is Belgrade a walkable city?
Yes! Belgrade has plenty of walkable surfaces, large sidewalks, and giant parks, and it is moderately hilly in some neighborhoods. The best attractions, restaurants, and hotels are all within walking distance from each other.
💶 Is Belgrade expensive for tourists?
No, Belgrade is one of Europe’s better-value capitals. Prices have risen in recent years, but eating out, drinks, and hotels are still noticeably cheaper than in Western European capitals like Rome or Paris. Budget travelers and mid-range visitors both get good value here.
🌸 Which month is best to visit Belgrade?
April to June, September, and October are the best months to visit Belgrade. Although May can be rainy, it’s still the most pleasant time because it’s not too hot yet. The weather is mostly dry and warm in the spring and fall months.
✈️ How do you get from Belgrade Airport to the city center?
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is located about 18 km west of the city center. The A1 minibus runs to Slavija Square in around 30 minutes (about 400 RSD, the one airport line that still charges a fare). Regular city buses like the 72 to Zeleni venac have been free since 2025, and a taxi or CarGo ride-hail takes 20 to 30 minutes. Book a fixed-price airport transfer or use the official airport taxi desk to avoid overcharging.
🌃 Where is the best nightlife in Belgrade?
Belgrade is famous for going out. The Old Town and Savamala have the densest bars and clubs, and in summer the party moves to the splavovi, the floating river clubs along the Sava and Danube near Novi Beograd. Skadarlija is the spot for traditional Serbian music and dinner, or join a local pub crawl to hit the best venues in one night.
Areas are ordered first-timers first, and every hotel is chosen for its current Booking.com guest score and fit to the area and budget tier.
Making the most out of your stay in Belgrade
That’s about it, my dear traveler! I hope I helped you decide where to stay in Belgrade and how to spend your time in the city! I loved being your virtual guide, and I hope you’ll have a pleasant time!
In case you’re still indecisive about the best hotel for you, these are my favorites:
- Hotel Moskva – a hotel with a story that’s also elegant and centrally located
- Hotel Balkan – I’ve been dreaming of staying in this charming hotel since childhood, as there is one really famous song about it (YouTube link) that everyone in Serbia knows
Regardless of where you stay, remember to book your stay in Belgrade in advance! The best deals sell out really fast in Serbia’s bustling capital!
Finally, feel free to drop me a comment if you have any questions or want more recommendations for your upcoming stay in Belgrade or Serbia!
Enjoy Belgrade,
Darija
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