The last 6 months I've been working with a client Serbia. About once a month I find myself on an over night flight to Belgrade to work along side the clients game design team. After hours and weekends I've squeezed in lots of exploring around this awesome city.
Belgrade was a total mystery to me, and I quickly got the lay of the land. Being fairly small one can easily cover the width and height in a day. Inside this compact city you stumble upon tons of awesome food, friendly people, and a charming mix of new and old architecture. I highly recommend a few days in Belgrade if anyone finds themselves near by. Below is a list of the best stuff I found.
Food
Old Belgrade
Square Nine Hotel Best sushi in town and on a roof, top floor of the hotel
Smokvica Fantastic little patio, decent food. Good spot to rest your feet after walking around downtown all day.
Crna Ovca Across the street from Smokvica is the best ice cream in Belgrade. Very cool flavors, a must try.
Jazz башта Amazing ally way jazz bar. Might need a reservation, but I’ve lucked out before. Awesome night cap place
Homa Modern take on classic Serbian food. Get the tasting menu for sure
Ambar Modern Serbian food tapas style.
Lorenzo & Kakalamba This place is mega weird inside, totally worth a visit. Get the giant chocolate orb for desert.
Polet A great place for a drink at night with some live music. Located in on the grounds for an old brewery thats now turned into 7+ bars. This place is at the back.
Druid Bar Amazing speakeasy, super low key. Best cocktail I’ve had in Belgrade. Check before you go to make sure it’s open.
Boho Super chill bar on the grounds of Fortress Belgrade. The entire place is low tables and huge pillows to lounge and enjoy drinks.
New Belgrade
Jerry’s Awesome steaks, get the steak in olive oil
Lemon Chili This is in the middle of a huge line of barge restaurants. Good pizza, super chill deck.
Durmitor Very classic Serbian food. No menus in english, but the staff is friendly and will help you order. Get any of the Serbian wines, can’t go wrong.
Sights
Nikola Tesla Museum Take the tour, it’s worth it just to see the Tesla Coil light up.
Temple of Saint Sava The crypt is beautiful, swing by and poke around.
Belgrade Design District This was the first shopping mall in Belgrade. Then it shut down during the war. Then was taken over by a few mafia families. Now it’s home to what a artist and designer space.
The Monument to Prince Mihailo Feels like the center of town. Lots of bars around. And one of the easiest spots to grab a taxi.
Belgrade Fortress Great little walk around, good views of the river. Must visit.
Millennium Tower Amazing 180 view of Belgrade & a lovely walk through Zemun, a really cute area of town. Zemun is past New Belgrade, prob want to spend half a day to full day here as it’s a little outta the way.
Shops
ReArt Concept Sweet little ceramics studio, get a few beautiful bowls and cups.
Dechkotzar Store Official souvenir shop of Belgrade. Don’t let that scare you away, they have some really cool looking shirts and totes.
Kenza Mihaila Main strip in downtown. Walking street lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. Very cool drinking fountain in the middle.