Wild nightlife. A gastronomic scene that puts London and Paris to shame. Ancient historical landmarks. Lush nature. Friendly people. Two gorgeous rivers.
These are just some things that make Belgrade a destination you must visit during the summer. While many immediately think of Mykonos or Ibiza when planning a weekend to remember, but probably won’t, thanks to one too many cocktails, it’s actually the capital of Serbia that numerous prestigious publications proclaimed the best place to party on Earth.
During the day, this city offers so much to explore that you might want to linger a few days longer. In Belgrade, you can explore the history-soaked cobbled streets with vibrant cafes, wander through the fortress whose first walls were built by Romans, and enjoy some retail therapy in the upscale boutiques around town.
To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend you book your visit during the summer when the city really comes alive and the temperatures rise high.
Here are our top recommendations on what to do in Belgrade during the summer.
1. Release your inner bohemian at Belgrade’s Montmartre
The street many local artists called home and where they created their most notable works is often dubbed Montmarte of Belgrade, but the comparison is not entirely fair. The most legendary neighbourhood of Paris is no longer the creative hub it once was and is now mostly gathering curious tourists.
Belgrade’s cobbled alley, Skadarlija, is still brimming with life, thanks to local taverns called “kafana,” where live musicians create an unrivalled atmosphere that makes all guests dance and sing. Serbs are pretty hospitable, too, so you will quickly make friends and learn about the city from firsthand experience. The kafanas are famous for their mouthwatering foods, including premium meat cuts, prosciutto, and cheeses – the delicious dishes will help you survive a night of drinking “rakija,” a strong local brandy made of different fruits known to induce a cheerful buzz.
2.Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress
Treat yourself to a balmy walk on a summer afternoon and soak in the best panoramic views of the two azure rivers from the old Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest cities, continually inhabited since prehistoric times. Numerous empires crossed their swords to conquer the strategically positioned town, all leaving marks that created the eclectic look Belgrade flaunts today. One of the best places to get a crash course in history without feeling the effort is the Kalemegdan fortress, which has Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian remains.
3. Visit St. Sava Temple
The World’s second largest Orthodox temple is without a doubt the most important landmark in Belgrade. Often pictured on postcards from Belgrade’s capital, the St. Sava temple is a place of immense beauty that will speak to all visitors, regardless of their stance on religion. Inside, you’ll find beautifully ornate mosaics and artworks, especially when you head to the crypt which boasts lavish gold ceilings. Vogue Magazine even called the temple “the Sagrada Familia of Eeastern Europe”.
The construction began in 1893, but is still ongoing, as parts of the interior remain a work in progress to this day.
The temple is located in one of the chicest areas of Belgrade, Vračar, where you will find an array of exclusive restaurants for a gourmet bite. Treat your tastebuds with an explosion of flavour at Gilda, tucked in a lovely mansion right across the mesmerising monument, where Italian chefs create true masterpieces on a plate.
4. Enjoy a bespoke yachting cruise
It can be pretty taxing to see this enchanting metropolis in just a few days by foot – but if you indulge in a swish yachting experience on the rivers, you’ll manage just fine. If that sounds appealing to you, why not charter the dazzling 10m river yacht Argo and enjoy an unforgettable cruise while basking in the sun? During your stay, you will get to see all of Belgrade’s most beautiful attractions, all while enjoying premium service by two highly attentive crew members.
Tropical temperatures are often part of a summer in Belgrade – but the hydraulic platform of your luxury yacht will turn Sava and Danube into your own private beaches. If after a day of splashing in the waves and sipping on fine roses you feel in the mood to dance until dawn, Argo’s captain can dock in the chic nightclubs that made Belgrade the World’s nightlife capital.
Contact us to organise a tailor-made yachting cruise that perfectly fits your needs and preferences.
5. Visit the Great War Island
If you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of this vibrant 1.7 million city, we recommend a visit to the Great War Island where you can release your inner Robinson Crusoe. Although it got its name fair and square, playing a huge part in defence during several battles that took place in Belgrade, the island is now a place of completely pristine nature with over 200 bird species. Did you know that Belgrade even has a sandy beach? It’s located right here and provides the perfect escape during the hot summer season. When you’re done playing blue lagoon, your luxury yacht’s captain can take you back to the city in minutes!
6. Explore Zemun
If you decide to get lost in the untamed nature of the Great War Island for a few hours, a logical continuation of your journey should be Zemun, located just next. Often referred to as a “town within a town,” Zemun boasts a unique charm and completely different architecture, mostly due to strong Austro-Hungarian influences. For a 360 view of the maze of Zemun’s narrow streets and rivers, we recommend climbing the Gardos Tower. Afterwards, you can visit the scenic bars and restaurants and enjoy a traditional gourmet lunch.
7. Shop, wine, and dine at Belgrade Waterfront
We’ve seen Belgrade’s Vienna – Zemun, and now it’s time to visit the latest up-and-coming neighbourhood of Serbia’s capital which might remind you of Dubai.
The ravishing urban complex will give you a completely different perspective on the city. Here, you can enjoy some retail therapy in high-end boutiques, dine in luxurious restaurants with international cuisine, or discover the rich artistic and cultural scene in one of the modern galleries.
Of course, if you’re travelling with little ones, they will be enchanted with the playgrounds here – right next, you’ll find restaurants such as Buddha Bar, where parents can catch a break. On the other hand, some may already be exhausted by the fast-paced tempo of the World’s nightlife mecca – if you’re among them, we recommend a visit to the Saruna Club Spa, where you can recharge before hopping right back on your luxury charter yacht. Then, for a full zen effect after your massage, relax on the foredeck solarium with a glass of fabulous champagne as Argo smoothly cuts into the waves.
8. Work on your tan on the beaches of Ada Ciganlija
Belgrade can easily be mistaken for an exotic seaside destination during the summer – the temperatures rise high, and there is an abundance of beaches where you can cool off.
You’ll find most of them on Ada Ciganlija; a river island artificially turned into a peninsula with lively beach bars, cycling trails, sports facilities, and playgrounds.
Ada is often dubbed “the sea of Belgrade” and has plenty to offer for all types of travellers: young groups of friends will enjoy the hip bars and restaurants, families can relax in eateries with playgrounds, while adventurous yacht charterers can partake in water sports. Just some adrenaline-inducing activities you can partake in during your day on Ada Ciganlija are bungee-jumping, waterskiing, and scuba diving. Or, you can just relax on the bow deck of your luxury charter yacht and enjoy the views of the new Ada Bridge, a new striking landmark admired for its grandeur and unique architecture.
9. Pregame at Beton Hala
Pregame is the key to an unforgettable night out! Set the tone for the rest of the evening before going to Belgrade’s notorious nightclubs and pregame in the most fashionable restaurants in Belgrade.
Beton Hala is a stretch of stunning restaurants and bars just by the river, where those in the know come to start the night with refreshing cocktails and haute cuisine. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here – from the exclusive japanese restaurant “Sakura”, to the Balkan-fusion “Ambar”, and Piazza that made it onto the Michelin guide recently, Beton Hala is a hedonist oasis bursting with flavour.
10. Dress up and go bar-hopping
One of Belgrade’s most remarkable and unique features are the river clubs called “splavovi,” where locals regularly come to enjoy the beats of famous international DJs. During your yacht charter cruise, you’ll get to dock in the chicest of them all – don’t worry about the reservations. Our crew will take care of that.
Regardless of your musical taste, you will find the perfect club for you – house, jazz, pop, and other genres all have their audience in Belgrade, giving you lots of places to choose from for a wild night in the town.
