Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Belgrade

I planned to see a bit of the Balkans when I returned to Europe. Thankfully, it was easy to reach Belgrade by land. I didn't have to book a flight to enter the country since I was in Budapest at the time.

Check out my guide if you're planning to visit Belgrade.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Belgrade

The Serbian capital of Belgrade is a noteworthy inclusion to your trip around the Balkans. It has a history that spans several centuries. That's why it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It has been under the rule of foreign empires and has witnessed several wars over the centuries. A visit to this city provides you with a glimpse of the past.

Get a Visa

For Filipino passport holders like me, you'll need a visa to enter Serbia. However, if you have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa or US multiple entry visa, you can enter the country. Check with your embassy to determine if you need a visa or not and possible exceptions.

Read my visa guides for more information:

How to Get to Belgrade

By Plane

You can book a flight for Belgrade from different cities in Europe. Book early so you can get low prices. It's also easy to get to the city center from the airport. You can take Mini Bus A1 to the city center for a low price. You can also take a taxi or hire a private transfer.

By Bus

Many travelers include Belgrade and other cities in Serbia as part of a larger trip around the Balkans. You can take the bus to Serbia's capital from Budapest, Zagreb, Sarajevo, and other cities. You can find direct buses or with transfers. I frequently book through www.flixbus.com.

Things to Do in Belgrade

When planning your budget and itinerary for Belgrade, you can add the following places.

Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade Fortress)

The fort towers over the city and is one of the oldest sections of Belgrade. It is a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance. It has a history that dates to antiquity. Different empires (Byzantine and Ottoman just to name two) ruled the fortress. It has withstood numerous wars. It's now one of the most visited attractions in Belgrade. Walking inside it makes you feel like you stepped back in time.

Ruzica Church

You'll find this church within the walls of the fortress. It dates to the 1860s. Inside you'll find beautiful frescoes made by Andrei Vasilyevich Bitsenko.

Pobednik Monument

The Pobednik Monument or also known as the Victor Monument is a towering symbol of the city. The intial plan was a fountain to honor the Serbian army's victory in the Balkan Wars. The cast of the figure had to be stored because of the First World War. In 1928, the monument was finally unveiled.

Saint Sava Church

Saint Sava Church is one a prominent piece of architecture. Many locals and visitors alike make their way to this beautiful building. Construction started in the 1930s but stopped because of World War 2. It restarted in the 1980s. It's consecration took place in the early 2000s after decades of construction. Inside you'll find beautiful mosaics and frescoes that renowned Serbian artists made. It's the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church and is an important cultural and spiritual icon.

Knez Mihailova Street

This pedestrian street is home to a number of buildings that are more than a century old. It also has many shops and restaurants where you can eat, buy souvenirs, and relax. It has a history that dates to the Roman times.

National Museum of Serbia

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Serbia, spend a few hours inside the National Museum of Serbia located in Republic Square. Inside you'll find archeological, art, medieval and other collections and exhibits.

Nikola Tesla Museum

If you want to learn more about the life of Nikola Tesla, this is the museum for you. Inside you'll find exhibits and displays about the scientist. You'll also learn about the major events that shaped his life.

Day Trip to Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second largest city in the country. It's also a possible day trip from Belgrade because of its accessibility. You can easily fill a day exploring this city's attractions, most of which are accessible on foot. The Petrovaradin Fortress is one of the city's main attractions. It has beautiful panoramic views of the city. Liberty Square is where the hustle and bustle of Novi Sad takes place. The most striking feature of the square is the Gothic Name of Mary Church. It has beautiful stained-glass windows, paintings, and mosaic patterns. Another noteworthy building in the square is the Town Hall. Dunavska Street is one of the oldest sections of the city. You'll find shops and restaurants lining the street. Other places of interest include Saint George's Cathedral, Bishop's Palace, Svetozar Miletic Monument, and Strand Beach.

You can include other attractions while planning your budget and itinerary for Belgrade such as:

Skadarlija
Museum of Illusions
Avala Tower
Ada Ciganlija

Getting around Belgrade

It's easy to follow your budget and itinerary for Belgrade because of the city's extensive public transportation network. You can take the bus, tram, trolley bus, or train to explore. It's also convenient to walk to places if oyu feel like it. You can get a BusPlus card a day or multiple days. You can also get one you can top up and use.

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Belgrade is an affordable destination with a lot of options for places to stay. I usually stay in hostel dorms because I'm out the whole day anyway. I just need a place to sleep and take showers. You can find good value hostel dorms during your stay in Belgrade. I browse www.booking.com for reviews and prices.

Budget for Belgrade

Belgrade is an affordable city which you can add to your itinerary whenever you're in the Balkans. It's an interesting city with a rich culture and history. A budget of around Serbian Dinar (RSD) 5,000 covers a bed in a hostel dorm, budget meals with the occasional splurge, a few paid attractions, and use of public transportation. You can spend less or more depending on your travel style. You can find nice places to eat and luxurious accommodations in the city.

You might want to read my other posts:

Itinerary for Belgrade

Belgrade isn't as big and as glamorous as other more famous cities in Europe. It's the kind of place that will grow on you once you experience it. I didn't stay long in the city, but I did catch a glimpse of it. I also visited Novi Sad, which is smaller but I found it more charming.

Here's a sample itinerary you can follow.

Day 1

Belgrade Fortress

Ruzica Church

Pobednik Monument

Saint Sava Church

Knez Mihailova Street

Day 2

Explore Novi Sad

Day 3

National Museum of Serbia

Nikola Tesla Museum

Skadarlija

You can add or remove attractions based on your interests and time. It's possible to see the highlights of Belgrade in just one day and spend another full day in Novi Sad, so you get to see two different cities in Serbia. It all depends on how much time you have for the country.