Belgrade Travel Tips: My First Day in Serbia
Touching down in Serbia felt like the perfect start to my spring break in the Balkans. I was excited, well-rested, and ready to explore. If you’ve been looking for Belgrade travel tips—especially for your first visit—this post breaks down exactly how our day went, what I learned, and what I recommend.
For context: the Balkans is a region in southeastern Europe that includes countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. It’s known for its deep history, scenic coastlines, affordable prices, and rich culture. This blog will share how we kicked things off in Belgrade, and why this city deserves a spot on your list.
Arrival in Belgrade
We flew Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi to Belgrade. The flight was easy and had a small delay, which wasn’t a big deal. Shoutout to airport lounge access. But right away, we ran into a transportation issue that travelers should definitely be aware of.
Belgrade Travel Tips: Avoiding Taxi Surprises at the Airport
We used a rideshare app to book a car from the airport to our hotel. The estimate was around €25, which seemed fair for a 30-minute ride from the airport. But when the driver arrived and saw how much luggage we had (we assume), he refused to take us, without any real explanation.
With no other rideshare options at that moment, as most cars seemed smaller in size, we had to use a standard taxi from outside the airport. That ride ended up costing €50 because of luggage fees. It was twice the price for the same distance.
Tip: If you’re traveling with multiple suitcases or a group, it’s worth arranging an airport pickup through your hotel, a booking app like Viator or confirming with your driver in advance that they can accommodate your luggage.
This is one of those Belgrade travel tips I wish I had known earlier.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at a hotel which was centrally located in Belgrade and walkable to restaurants and attractions. For more info all my hotel and my personal travel itinerary check out my travel guide for my entire trip. The rooms were clean and spacious, and breakfast was included. It was a convenient and comfortable base for our first night in the city.
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Exploring Skadarlija: Dinner + Live Music
After check-in and a little rest, we headed out to Skadarlija Street, Belgrade’s historic bohemian quarter. The street is lined with cobblestone, cozy restaurants, and live music coming out of the cafes. It’s one of those areas that instantly makes you feel like you’re really in the city.
We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Yes, Mexican in Serbia….I know! But it turned out to be a great choice. Our waiter was friendly and even offered us a taste of homemade rakija, a traditional fruit brandy that’s popular all over the Balkans. It’s strong, so sip carefully.
Ending the Night with Live Jazz
We ended the evening at a small jazz and blues bar where local musicians gather to perform. The energy was relaxed but soulful, and it was one of the best ways to ease into the trip. If you’re someone who loves local music scenes, this is a must.
Want My Exact Itinerary?
This day was just the beginning. If you want access to my full 11-day itinerary—including accommodations, activities, and booking links—you can grab my full travel guide here:
Download The Ultimate Balkans Travel Guide
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Up Next: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Day 2 takes us to Sarajevo, where the vibe completely shifted. I’ll be sharing where we stayed, and what we ate. Stay tuned.