3-Day Belgrade Itinerary: See All the City’s Sights Easily

I’m a local in Belgrade, and I recently had a friend from abroad visit the city for the first time. Over three days, I showed him all the must-see spots and experiences, creating a tried-and-tested itinerary for exploring Serbia’s capital. We skipped nightlife and museums this time, but you can easily add them in if that’s your style. Day 1 is the most intensive, so feel free to split it into two if you have extra time, while the other days are somewhat more relaxed.

Day 1: Belgrade Waterfront & City Center

This is the most intensive day, and you’ll be doing it all on foot, so get ready! On Day 1, we managed to cover nearly all of Belgrade’s must-see sights. If you only have one day in the city, this itinerary works perfectly as a condensed tour of the Serbian capital. Be prepared for plenty of walking — easily more than 25,000 steps.

Morning: Riverside Walk at Belgrade Waterfront

• Start your walk at Belgrade Waterfront, right by the Sava River in front of Galerija shopping mall.
• Stroll along the lively Sava Promenade, cross the Selfie Bridge, and see the Belgrade Tower up close.
• Continue following the river until you reach Beton Hala (a riverside area packed with trendy bars and restaurants, perfect for nightlife).

Midday: City Center Highlights

• From Beton Hala, head uphill (via steep staircase or any street) to Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s main pedestrian zone.
• Stop at Republic Square to take a few photos.
• Grab a coffee or drink to go, then walk to Belgrade Fortress and its Kalemegdan Park. Once there, find a good bench and take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of the Danube–Sava confluence, Novi Beograd, and Great War Island. Before you leave, don’t miss the iconic Victor Monument, one of Belgrade’s most famous landmarks.

Afternoon: Skadarlija

• Head to Skadarlija, the charming bohemian quarter.
• Stop for lunch at one of the iconic restaurants (Tri Šešira or Dva Jelena). Try traditional Serbian dishes like Karađorđeva šnicla, ćevapi, or pljeskavica, with a Shopska salad and fresh lepinja bread. Pair your meal with rakija (as an appetizer) and a glass of local beer or wine.

Evening: St. Sava Temple

• Walk to Slavija Square, the largest roundabout in Serbia, with its impressive fountain.
• Visit the nearby St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world (note: closes at 8 p.m.).

Day 2: Zemun & Novi Beograd

Morning in Zemun

• Begin your day in Zemun, once a separate town under the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• Stroll down Gospodska Street, with its lively square and charming cafés that carry the relaxed feel of a seaside town.
• Wander uphill along the scenic cobbled streets leading to Gardoš Tower, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Belgrade and the Danube.

Riverside Walk & Lunch

• Head back down to the Zemun Quay for a leisurely riverside walk.
• Stop for lunch at a traditional fish restaurant:
  • The most famous option is Šaran, a classic choice.
  • For a more atmospheric setting right on the river (especially in spring and summer), try Stari šlep.

Exploring Novi Beograd

• After lunch, take a taxi or bus to the Genex Tower, an iconic brutalist landmark that symbolized the power of Yugoslavia.
• From there, continue to the Sava Quay in Novi Beograd, where you’ll find countless splavs (floating bars and clubs). It’s the perfect place to grab a relaxing drink by the water. Start your riverside stroll at the end of Gandijeva Street, near Suvenir Café.

Dinner in the Valley of the Hungry

• End your day at the legendary “Valley of the Hungry” (Dolina gladnih, Bulevar Maršala Tolbuhina), a street famous for its late-night fast-food scene.
• The top pick is probably Šiš Ćevap, but you’ll find plenty of other favorites — gyros, pizza, burgers, and pljeskavica.
• Keep in mind, seating is minimal; most people simply eat on the go, especially after a night out.

Day 3: Ada Ciganlija, Dorćol Quay & Silos

Morning at Ada Ciganlija

• Begin your day at Ada Ciganlija, Belgrade’s famous recreational peninsula with a scenic lake and rocky beach.
• Walk the full 7 km loop around the lake for fresh air and nature, or enjoy a shorter stroll with a coffee or drink.
• Several restaurants (especially lively in summer) make it a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
• Take a moment to admire the impressive Ada Bridge, visible from the lake.

Optional Stop: Ada Mall

• If you feel like shopping, or just want another coffee with a view, stop by Ada Mall.
• Head to the open-air balcony on the top floor for a lovely perspective of the city.

Afternoon at Dorćol Quay

• Continue your riverside theme at the Dorćol Quay, starting from the unique Danube Flower building all the way to Nebojša Tower.
• This area offers a laid-back atmosphere with cafés and a pleasant walking path along the Danube, just below Belgrade Fortress.

Evening at Silos

• Not far from Dorćol Quay are the Silos, a newly developed riverside hub popular with young people.
• It’s a great spot to relax and socialize in a casual, hipster-like setting.
• The atmosphere is especially magical at sunset in spring and summer.
• Note: There’s no food at the Silos, so plan to eat earlier in the day:
  • Ada Ciganlija – plenty of lakefront restaurants.
  • Ada Mall – a food court with fast-food options on the top floor.
  • Dorćol Quay – a couple of slightly more upscale restaurants.

Final Thoughts

This was a quick but intensive 3-day tour of Belgrade, focused on what I believe is the city’s greatest treasure — its rivers. Experiencing the Danube and Sava from different parts of town offers a unique perspective and atmosphere that truly defines the Serbian capital.

If you have an extra day or half-day, here are some excellent additions:

• For history lovers: Visit the spectacular National Museum, which spans from prehistoric artifacts to modern art. Other top choices include the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Museum of Yugoslavia.
• For families: Spend a few hours at the Belgrade Zoo, a favorite for children.
• For a nature escape: Take a short trip to Avala Mountain (best by car, but reachable by public transport). Here you can breathe in the fresh air, admire the views from Avala Tower, and visit the imposing Monument to the Unknown Hero.

I hope this 3-day Belgrade itinerary helps you make the most of your visit. If you have any questions about planning your trip or want to share your own experiences in Belgrade, feel free to leave a comment.