A Unique Immersive Theater Experience Only in Belgrade
Experience the story of Jack The Ripper as it never has been told before. In His Mind is an immersive, interactive theatre experience that takes you on a journey through the notorious murderer’s memories, motivations and emotions told by talented performers through a fusion of various forms of art. To fully experience the immersive nature of the play only 15 viewers will be let into the mind of Jack The Ripper and allowed to explore all the fragments of his past, present and future.
Located in the heart of Belgrade in a historical landmark house dating back to the late ’20s, our theatrical and speakeasy bar experience is unlike anything you have witnessed. Scroll down for the full 30 things to see and do in Belgrade Serbia.
Things To Do In Belgrade Serbia – 30 Sights You Have To See
„In His Mind“ is held at a vintage 1920’s house located in the heart of Belgrade, in the district of Vračar. As such, it is a great starting point for you to explore the top tourist attractions Belgrade has to offer.
Get a taste of Belgrade’s rich history
2. Nikola Tesla Museum
Nikola Tesla is likely the most famous Serbian whose contributions have forever changed the face of the planet. If you are a history aficionado or an avid fan of the Serbian electric wizard, visiting the museum dedicated to his life and work is essential.
Located in Vračar, very close to the interactive theatre hosting „In His Mind“, this museum features an exhibition showing his personal life including photographs, letters and personal belongings. If you are more interested in his work, you will find some of his original inventions, 3D renders as well as fully functioning models this prolific inventor has given birth to.
The tour is offered in both Serbian and English and is hosted by the students of the Engineering Department of the Belgrade University.
Probably the most iconic sight in the museum is an urn in the form of a golden orb containing the inventor’s ashes.
3. Things to do in Belgrade Serbia – The Church Of Sveti Sava
The Church of Sveti Sava is the largest Orthodox Christian church in the Balkans and the second largest in the world. Located in a beautiful park in the Vračar district, the church’s imposing marble and white granite walls can be spoted from any direction.
It was built at the place where St Sava’s relics were burned in revolt to his icons being the face of the 1594 protest. The foundation for the church was laid in 1935, 340 years later. The construction was finished in 1989.
4. Things to do in Belgrade Serbia -Fortress Kalemegdan
Belgrade Fortress watches over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, a proud remnant of a city which more has stood tall through over 2000 years of various wars.
Nowadays, Kalemegdan is the favourite place for locals and tourists alike: couples enjoying each other’s company on one of the many park benches, seniors playing chess, children running rampant in the Dino Park exhibition. If you want to experience the vibrant heart of the Belgrade community, look no further.
5. Pobednik (The Victor)
If you are walking around the Kalemegdan fortress, no doubt you’ll spot the massive figure of the Victor (known locally as Pobednik). The statue was built to celebrate the victory over the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. The statue holds a sword in one hand and a falcon in the other, symbolizing war and peace.
6. Ruzica Church
Nested in the heart of the Belgrade Fortress lies the oldest and most breathtaking church in Belgrade, the Ružica (Rose) church. Nobody knows when the church dates, but it has been torn down and built back up numerous times throughout history.
The earliest known mention of the church dates back to 1400s. It was torn down by the Ottoman Empire after conquering Belgrade in 1521. The current church dates back to the 19th century and was partially restored after World War 2.
Ivy conceals the façade of the church, while the interior features chandeliers made from shell casings and bayonet blades. This is probably the most visited among Belgrade’s sights to see.
7. Historical places to visit in Belgrade – Bajrakli Mosque
This religious monument was built in 1575, at a time when the city was under Ottoman rule. During the Ottomans’ dominance in the Balkans, Belgrade had more than 200 mosques, but only Bajrakli Mosque survived to this day. It’s centrally located in Gospodar Jevremova Street, not far from the Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone. If you’re searching for sights to see while strolling the streets of the Belgrade city center, you can easily make a short stop there. You’ll get to admire its authentic 16th century Oriental architecture and experience a piece of history.
8. Another one of the Belgrade sights to see – Princess Ljubica’s residence
This building dates back to the early 19th century, when it was commissioned by the then ruler of Serbia, prince Milos Obrenovic. It was built to be both the residence of the ruler’s family and the seat of the Serbian government, but Ottoman prevalence thwarted these plans.
Because it has the typical look of an affluent home from the era, visitors are transported back to this time of great upheavals. As a testament to Belgrade’s century-long position at the crossroads between the east and west, the first floor is decorated in the oriental style while the second floor has a distinctly European look.
9. Discover Belgrade tourist places – The Royal Compound and the White Palace
As a former official residence of the Yugoslav royal family Karageorgevitch, the White Palace gives visitors a glimpse of the rich history of Belgrade and former Yugoslavia. It is located in Belgrade’s upscale Dedinje neighborhood. Guided tours from the city center are available to everyone who wants to experience Belgrade’s top tourist attractions.
Visitors can see the ornate private chapel, enjoy the beautiful garden on castle grounds, and marvel at the magnificent view from the castle’s balcony. The heirs to the Karageorgevitch dynasty, who hold no official titles today but live on the premises, often greet visitors and share snippets of their family’s history.
10. Museum of Yugoslavia and the House of Flowers will also delight you
As the capital of Yugoslavia for most of the twentieth century, Belgrade pays homage to this part of its history with the Museum of Yugoslavia. Visitors can browse its 75,000 exhibits and learn more about the history of Yugoslavia, from its inception in the early 20th century to its breakup in the 1990s. Guided tours in English are available to foreigners exploring Belgrade sights to see.
The House of Flowers is located within the museum complex and it’s the resting place of Yugoslavia’s communist president Josip Broz Tito. With Tito being one of the most polarizing figures of the 20th century in the Balkans, his mausoleum attracts visitors from far and wide, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgrade.
Explore architecture & the arts
11. Things you must see in Belgrade – The National Museum
If you’re looking around Republic Square or meeting someone by the Knez Mihailo Monument (the locals’ most popular meeting place), two buildings will definitely catch your eye that are among the top 5 places to visit in Belgrade.
The first of these, located right behind the Knez Mihailo Monument, is the National Museum, the city’s oldest and biggest museum. After an extensive 15-year long reconstruction, it reopened to visitors in 2018. Its collection consists of more than 400,000 items, ranging from ancient and medieval artifacts to exquisite works of art.
Across the street from it is the stunning building of the National Theater, which offers high-brow entertainment to the lovers of the performing arts. With talented drama, ballet, and opera ensembles, this is the place to be if you’re in search of activities to do in Belgrade.
12. Things to see in Belgrade Serbia -National Theater
If you are visiting Belgrade for its rich cultural offer, the National Theater is a point on your map you shouldn’t miss.
Dating back to 1869, the Theater has seen its fair share of damage during the wars, but was rebuilt and improved on, which is why it remains a relevant bastion of Serbian cultural history.
The theater’s schedule includes opera, ballet and drama at more than affordable prices.
13. Things to see in Belgrade – Hotel Moskva
Hotel Moskva (Hotel Moscow) is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, in Terazije Square, a stone’s throw from the popular Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone.
Dating back to 1908, this stunning building was constructed in the style of the Russian secession. Over the course of its long history, many famous guests, including Albert Einstein, Robert de Niro, and Alfred Hitchcock, have stayed at this elegant hotel. Whether you’ll be staying there or just strolling past it and admiring its gorgeous architecture, this hotel is a definite must-see.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Belgrade, don’t forget to stop by the hotel’s famous pastry shop and try the delicious Moskva Snit cake. The recipe, which features cherries, almonds, pineapple, and a signature cream, was created by the hotel’s pastry chefs in 1974, and has since become iconic. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant is also a perfect place to have a sophisticated dinner and listen to live piano music.
14. Weird things to see in Belgrade – Ruins of Yugoslav Army Headquarters
If you’re interested in one-of-a-kind Belgrade sights, you’ll find the former Yugoslav Army Headquarters in the busy Kneza Milosa Street, near some of Serbia’s most important Government buildings. This imposing building was severely damaged in the NATO bombing of then Yugoslavia in 1999. More than two decades later, it is still in ruins. There are currently no plans for its restoration and it serves as a reminder of the tragic and turbulent end of the 20th century in Serbia.
15. Belgrade tourist sightseeing – Stari i Novi Dvor (Old and New Palace)
If you’d like to see some of the top 10 tourist places and attractions in Belgrade, the Old and New Palace are beautiful architectural monuments, which played a big part in Serbian history. Right next door to the National Assembly Building, you’ll find these two gems in the manicured Pionirski Park. These locations still have political relevance to this day because the Old Palace is the seat of the Belgrade City Assembly and the New Palace is the seat of the Serbian president.
16. Things to see in New Belgrade – Western City Gate (Genex Tower)
The Western City Gate of Belgrade, also called the Genex Tower, is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. As the name suggests, it’s located near its western edge, in the neighborhood of New Belgrade.
This skyscraper was built in 1977 in the brutalist architectural style, and it exhibits most of the style’s distinctive features: a severe appearance, plenty of concrete, and a kind of monolithic grandeur. Its design was revolutionary at the time it was built. It consists of a 30-story and a 26-story tower, which are connected by a bridge and topped by a revolving restaurant.
Although the restaurant is now out of service and the lower, commercial tower is unoccupied, this building is still a testament to the point in time when it was built and has an undeniable imposing beauty to it.
Explore the city by day
17. Activities to do in Belgrade Serbia – Knez Mihailova
The biggest pedestrian street and the most prominent shopping area in Belgrade, Knez Mihailova is teeming with activities. From various coffee shops, bakeries, boutiques and bookstores to street buskers, artists and entertainers.
The street features gorgeous, well-preserved 19th-century facades taking you on a stroll down the history, all the way to the famous Belgrade Fortress at the end of the long walkway.
You can also find numerous hotels and hostels in the surrounding streets, making them an ideal base when exploring the city.
18. Hotel Jugoslavija
This is one of the most prestigious hotels in former Yugoslavia and has seen guests such as Presidents Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, as well as Queen Elizabeth II and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
The hotel was damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing but was restored and reopened. It is certainly one of the massive monuments of the great former republic of Yugoslavia.
19. Prince Mihailo Monument
One of the most frequently uttered phrases in Belgrade is “Let’s meet up at the horse”. The horse refers to the Prince Mihailo Monument, depicted riding a valiant steed. The statue was raised in 1882 in honour of Prince Mihailo, the first sovereign ruler after Serbia freed itself from Ottoman rule. When the monument was unveiled, one hundred and one cannons were fired to commemorate the event.
20. The Town of Zemun
Zemun did not belong to Serbia until the end of World War 1. Before the war, Zemun was located in the south of Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Zemun features beautifully preserved architecture and romantic narrow streets. The Danube quay on the Zemun side is also considered a favorite spot by both locals and tourists. It is packed with wonderful restaurants serving domestic and fish specialties.
Overlooking the town is the Gardos tower, a monument built in 1896 on top of a medieval fortress laid to ruin. The tower was built by the Hungarians to celebrate 1000 years since the founding of their state. You can enjoy the beautiful view of Danube, dreamy Zemun Rooftops and parts of Belgrade from the top of the tower.
21. Avala Tower
A short ride out of Belgrade lies the monumental Avala tower, the monument to an informational revolution that hit in the 20th century: the TV.
Avala Tower is considered one of the most impressive TV towers in Europe and wider. It is the largest one in the Balkans, standing at 205 meters. The tower was destroyed during the NATO bombing in 1999, but was later rebuilt and reopened in 2010. It sees over 200,000 visitors every year.
Located outside the center of the city, it’s only a short 30-minute ride from the city center. If you are a fan of socialist architecture and history, the Avala Tower is a must-see.
Enjoy a fantastic night on the town
22. What to do in Belgrade at night – Splavovi (Floating river clubs)
Belgrade is famous for the many clubs located on rafts along the Sava river. They operate from spring to fall and there’s a huge variety of them to choose from. Mainstream clubs of this kind are some of the most popular hotspots in town, and they mostly play RnB, house, and techno.
There are also some alternative splavovi clubs, which focus more on underground music. You can rent a splav house and have it all to yourself, too. If you want to make some lasting memories in Belgrade at night, splavovi may be right up your alley.
23. Best jazz bars in Belgrade – Centar, Jazz Basta & Sinnerman
If you’re wondering what to do in Belgrade at night, there are a number of great jazz clubs scattered around the city center. Jazz bar Centar, for example, is a cool venue in Belgrade’s main pedestrian zone, where you can listen to talented bands playing live. Another one of the hidden gems in Belgrade is Sinnerman, a bar with a large balcony and an amazing view of the city. Jazz Basta, located next to Branko’s Bridge, which connects the old and new parts of the city, has a beautiful garden and a chill vibe.
24. Cool things to do in Belgrade – Beer pubs
When it comes to exciting things to do in Belgrade at night, if you love high-quality craft beer, Belgrade has a lot in store for you. The city center is home to many great locations of this kind, including Gunners Pub, Queens Pubs, Bridge Pub, and many others. Enjoy the exquisite taste of beer from the best breweries and have a great time.
25. Activities to do in Belgrade Serbia – Skadarlija
Only a few short minutes away from the National Theatre lies the bohemian haven of Belgrade – the famous Skadarlija street. This is one of the most unique things to see in Belgrade and one of the top tourist attractions in Belgrade.
The historic street used to be both the home and the workplace of artists, writers, singers and musicians, giving the street the nickname “Belgrade’s Montmartre“.
This cobblestone-paved walkway is rich with authentic restaurants serving traditional Serbian food and drinks such as roštilj and rakija.
With a lot of foliage, vintage facades and iron gaslights, Skadarlija makes for a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a get-together with close friends.
Have some outdoor fun
26. Things to do in Belgrade in August – Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija is a peninsula on the river Sava, located just off the city center. It is one of Belgrade’s most popular recreational areas, where locals flock from all parts of the city to get some respite from the summer heat.
If you’re not sure what to do around Belgrade in 10 days, you can take a refreshing dip in the water or sunbathe on Ada’s pebble beach. Visitors can also stop by one of the many waterfront bars and coffee shops. Some people rent a bike, jog, have a picnic, or take a walk in the shade of the trees.
During the summer months, Ada Ciganlija hosts a small open-air music festival called Beer Garden. The entry is free and visitors can sip on some cold beer while listening to great live music.
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27. Kosutnjak Hill is also among Belgrade top tourist attractions
Kosutnjak is one of the best outdoor spots in Belgrade, where you can unwind in unspoilt nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Only 20 minutes away by car from the city center, this forest abounds in dense foliage.
You can walk along one of its many trails while enjoying the natural beauty around you, especially in summer. For visitors who’d like to get active, there are also several sports facilities in Kosutnjak. You can also have a nice meal in one of the restaurants, like Golf, Rubin, Devetka, and others.
28. Belgrade sightseeing – Tasmajdan Park and St. Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church is a Serbian Orthodox Church situated in the Tasmajdan area of central Belgrade. It’s beautifully constructed in the Serbo-Byzantine style and a very serene place to be, just a hop and a skip away from the busy traffic and crowded streets of downtown Belgrade.
Next to it, there’s the Tasmajdan Park, a well-maintained green area perfect for dog walking and taking a break from sightseeing. There’s also a swimming pool and many great restaurants in the vicinity.
29. Things to do in Serbia in winter – Ice Rink in Nikola Pasic Square
Once temperatures start dropping, several ice rinks open around Belgrade. Although not the biggest one, the rink in Nikola Pasic Square is centrally located and easily accessible to tourists who’re on the lookout for enjoyable winter activities. The music is always upbeat, the atmosphere is festive, and instructors are there to help beginners. The place is especially beautiful around Christmas, with colorful decorations gracing the square, which makes Belgrade tourist sightseeing even more magical.
Treat your taste buds to delicious food
30. Unique things to do in Belgrade – Traditional restaurants that serve Serbian cuisine
Known for its blend of different influences, quality ingredients, and rich flavors, Serbian cuisine will certainly appeal to every visitor. There’s a variety of restaurants to choose from, but one is for sure – you’ll get to enjoy hearty, delicious food wherever you go. For example, you could visit the oldest kafana in Belgrade called ? (Question Mark) and sample the specialties. Or, you could have dinner in the famous Kovac restaurant, known for its traditional roast and huge wine selection.
31. Zeleni Venac Outdoor Market should also be on your Belgrade tourist attractions map
Zeleni Venac, or “Green Wreath”, is one of the biggest and most popular outdoor markets in Belgrade. Unlike what the name suggests, it’s not exactly known for any rich vegetation, as it’s located next to a busy public transport hub. However, it’s the perfect place to experience authentic Belgrade, sample fresh produce, and chat with the locals, especially if you’re in a rush and wondering what to see in Belgrade in 2, 3 days.
If you’re looking for things to do in Belgrade, Serbia, you’ll find all the staples of the Serbian cuisine there, like ajvar (delicious roasted pepper sauce), kajmak (flavorful cheese spread), and fresh, homegrown fruit and vegetables.