Belgrade Green Travel Guide

After a long period of wars and poverty, Belgrade reborns as one of the most vibrant and vital vapital cities in Europe! So much history to discover, landscapes to admire, but also lots of fun. It's a city not do be missed!

a bike on a bridge. it's the danubio bridge with the city in the surroundings — Belgrade - Expo 2008 Zaragoza

1. Best things to do in Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia, a modern city that lies in the heart of the Region, at the confluence of the two main rivers of the Region, Danube and Sava.

The two rivers separate parts of the city: the old town is located on the right bank, while new neighborhoods developed on the left bank.

The beating heart of the city is the long street called Knez Mihailova, around which you will find shops of all kinds and bars, crowded with people in the evening. In Belgrade you will have fun for sure! Very characteristic is also the district of Savamala, old port area, where you will meet street artists.

the castle of kalegmegdan with its walls — Kalegmegdan - Pascal Willuhn via Flickr

In the old town, called Stari Grad, you can feel the past history of the place. Visit the impressive fortress of Kalegmegdan, with at its feet a large park, the green lung of the capital city. It is where the two rivers meet: here was built the famous statue of the Winner, that is definitely worth a visit. Don't forget to visit the white cathedral of Saint Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the world, in his characteristic style.

the cathedral with its white face and towers — Cathedral of Saint Sava - George M. Groutas via Flickr

The city is surrounded by two hills, Kosmaj (628 m) and Avala (511 m). This is the highest point of Belgrade, upon which stands the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and from where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city. These places are perfect for a picnic or to go hiking outdoors.

2. Belgrade and surroundings

a green forest with a path — Fruska Gora - Aleksandar Cocek via Flickr

In the north of Belgrade, there is a wide flat area. This is the Vojvodina, an autonomous province of Serbia, for the many cultures that live together. Also in the North you will find the rolling hills of the National Park of Fruska Gora and the Pannonian Plain.

The hills of the National Park are covered with pastures and fertile fields, in which vineyards and orchards are grown. The higher areas, above 300 meters, are covered with thick forests. Admire the Orthodox monasteries that were built in the surrounding hills from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. You can find more than 30 monasteries!

mountains all around and a lady sitting in the fields — Kopaonik park - nevena kukoljac via Flickr

In the south of Belgrade you will find mountains and hills of the Kopaonik National Park. This park is known for its commitment to preserve biodiversity and in particular the flora of the place. If you are lucky you can also admire many animals, inhabitants of the park: hawks, owls, eagles, but also wolves or wild boars. The highest peak of the massif is Pancicev Vrh, with its 2,017 m.

The park is also the most important ski center of the region thanks to snow, falling as early as November and remaining until March. In addition to the ski slopes there are also many tourist centers such as those in the city of Brzeće or Ravni Kopaonik. The park is beautiful in summer as well. You can visit it thanks to some organized trips on foot, to the source of Metodje and Lake Semeteš, or with the mountain bike.

3. Tastes and local food

a plate with little sausages — Cevapcici - Garrett Ziegler via Flickr

The cuisine in Belgrade, that you can try entering one of the many Kafana, Serbian traditional taverns, presents Mediterranean and Turkish influences, but also from the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Meat is the main attraction in Belgrade, especially the grid: you can taste excellent ćevapčići and ražnjići. The fish is to try as well, in particular that of the restaurants overlooking the Danube, where it is caught fresh: soup, grilled fish or boiled, the choice is very wide!

Very famous is the Turkish sarma, rolls made with boiled cabbage leaves, stuffed with ground meat and rice flavored with many spices. This is a dish not to be missed!

For all lovers of sweets, the city is famous for crepes and baklava, a cake of puff pastry with a soft filling of walnuts, lemon and honey. Not to be missed are then fruit-based brandies , including šljivovica obtained from plums and widespread throughout the Balkans .

4. Nature, sport and green itineraries

three chairs on the seaside — Belgrade beach - giulio nepi via Flickr

Belgrade is a city full of surprises! Did you know that there is also a beach? After a day exploring the old town, take some time relaxing on the beach of Belgrade, around an artificial lake (the Savsko Jezero) on the Sava river, on the island of Ada Ciganlija, not far from the city center! Here you can enjoy water sports or just dozing in the sun on the wide beaches, away from the chaos of the city. On the island people can travel only by bicycle or on foot, but there is an electric train.