Where to Stay in Belgrade: 2024 Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
Serbia’s capital has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive cities in recent years. It’s filled with bustling cafes, trendy floating bars, an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, and charming residents always willing to lend a hand or join in for a drink. For these reasons, there is no shortage of things to do and a wide range of views regarding where to stay in Belgrade.
The city is affordable, much more affordable than neighboring countries. You can find a snack or even a meal for a couple of dollars at a bakery or a traditional restaurant, and accommodation (depending on preference) can also be quite inexpensive.
Having lived in Belgrade for two years, we’ve become intimately acquainted with its charm. We lived in the Old City (Stari Grad) for two years and have since stayed in various Airbnbs across the city. These firsthand experiences have empowered us to offer confident and insightful reviews of where stay in Belgrade.
To make your visit a little easier, we’ve put together the guide below, outlining the pros and cons of six key neighborhoods in Belgrade and our favorite accommodations for each of them – from luxury to budget spots.
And if you’re traveling outside of Belgrade, do check out our top recommendations for where to stay elsewhere in the country.
Stari Grad (Old City)
For those who want to be in the heart of the city
As the name indicates, Stari Grad has some of the oldest sections of Belgrade – and it is one of the most excitingareas in the city. It’s in the heart of it all and includes some of the most popular sights. For this reason, it is the perfect part to stay if you’re visiting for the first time, or if you want to be in the center of the action. Just note that it can get loud at night if you’re staying close to certain bars.
The popular Dorćol district is the most eclectic and charming area of Old Town – and our home for two great years. The district is filled with old buildings, cobblestone streets, vintage stores, and lovely cafes and bars. It’s divided into two sections – upper and lower Dorćol, separated by the main Cara Dušana street. Upper Dorćol is the more expensive side, though the lower section is up-and-coming and has some of our favorite spots, like Jam Restaurant and Dorćol Platz.
Stari Grad is also home to some of the spots that make the city so unique, including the medieval Belgrade Fortress, which overlooks the Danube and Sava rivers, the Bohemian cobblestone Skardalija Street, the famous pedestrian Knez Mihailova Street known for its shops, and the Republic Square, surrounded by the National Museum and the National Theatre.
Where to stay in Belgrade? Stari Grad and Dorćol offer a perfect blend of history, charm, and vibrant modern life.
Best Budget Place to Stay in Stari Grad
Good People Design Hostel
The Good People Design Hostel is an awesome hostel right in the heart of the old city, only minutes away from the Belgrade fortress and the Knez Mihajlova pedestrian street.
They offer accommodations in mixed dormitory rooms for 6 and 12 people, a 6-beds female dormitory room with its own bathroom, and different kinds of private family rooms for 2-5 people. They also have a lovely backyard with a fully equipped kitchen and barbeque.
The atmosphere is always incredibly friendly and the location cannot be beaten.
Photo Credit: Good People Hostel
Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Stari Grad
Boutique Hotel Museum
The Boutique Hotel Museum is a beautiful hotel right in the Knez Mihajlova pedestrian area and next to the popular Republic Square. This is a perfect location to explore the old city and easy to get to most other spots in the city.
They offer a daily breakfast buffet and offer beautiful amenities including a restaurant, bar, and sauna.
They pride themselves on “walking their guests through the rich history and culture of Serbia.” For instance, the floors in the hotel are inspired by different times throughout the country’s history.
Photo Credit: Boutique Hotel Museum
Best Luxury Place to Stay in Stari Grad
Square Nine Hotel
The Square Nine Hotel is probably the most luxurious hotel in Belgrade. The hotel overlooks the old city and is within walking distance of many of the city’s most popular spots, including the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street and the Belgrade Fortress.
They offer a variety of rooms and suites, anywhere from 32 – 175 square meters. Each of the rooms has wood paneling and beautiful french windows, and it has all the elegant amenities that you can imagine. The hotel even has a great spa and an 18-meter-long pool!
The hotel has two great restaurants. The Square Restaurant on the ground floor has a beautiful Mediterranean garden and serves European cuisine. And Ebisu on the rooftop floor has some of the best Japanese food in all of Belgrade.
Photo Credit: Square Nine Hotel
Vračar
For those who want to be close, but quiet
Vračar is a lovely little neighborhood, about a 25-minute walk away from the Old City. It’s considered by some locals to be “posh” and it does have some of the newer, more modern apartments and buildings.
In fact, the neighborhood wasn’t officially formed until 1952, when old houses were torn down to give way for taller buildings. Prior to that, the area was even used for some hunting excursions. But, today, it is a lovely place to live and stay if you’re looking for a quiet and calm atmosphere but within walking distance of most of the top attractions.
Vračar is known for being home to St. Sava Temple – arguably the most important church in Serbia and a recognized symbol of Belgrade. The church is dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and is located where they believe his grave would have been. Vračar is also home to the popular Kalenić Market, which sells everything from fresh fruits and veggies to meats and cheeses.
Where to stay in Belgrade? Vračar is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a blend of tranquillity and proximity to top attractions.
Best Budget Place to Stay in Vračar
Hostel White Town
The Hostel White Town is just 10-minutes away from St. Sava Temple in the beautiful Vračar neighborhood. It’s also close to the popular Kalenić Market, and still within walking distance from the Old City and the Belgrade Fortress.
The accommodation has a shared kitchen and WiFi throughout the property. It has a shared lounge and a beautiful garden. Guests rave about the hosts’ hospitality and generosity in answering questions and providing suggestions about the city.
Photo Credit: Hostel White Town
Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Vračar
Hilton Hotel
The Hilton Hotel is a great, reliable choice. They offer modern and spacious rooms – some of which are even pet-friendly. The hotel is within walking distance from Slavija Square and St. Sava Temple, and about a 20-minute walk to the old city.
The hotel has an awesome spa, with a thermal bath, sauna, and Turkish bath. They have two restaurants on-site. They offer Serbian cuisine in the Two Kings restaurant and Asian fusion food in the Sky Lounge. 24-hour room service is also available.
The Sky Lounge has one of the best views of the city and some of the best sushi in Belgrade. It’s also a great spot to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Photo Credit: Hilton Hotel
Best Luxury Place to Stay in Vračar
Saint Ten Hotel
The Saint Ten Hotel is a beautiful spot in the Vračar neighborhood, housed in a cultural heritage building, and very close to St. Sava Temple. The rooms have a modern design, with wooden floors and bathrooms in natural stone.
The hotel has the L’Adresse Restaurant on-site, which does a great job modernizing some of the traditional Balkan recipes. They also have a lounge and a bar on the ground floor.
Guests rave about the exceptional treatment they receive at the hotel – from arriving in the lobby to breakfast and all the way through checkout.
Photo Credit: Saint Ten Hotel
Savamala
For those who want to enjoy the nightlife
Savamala is south of the Kalemegdan fortress, stretching right along the Sava river. It has an interesting history, and today is known as the place to be if you want to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Lots of clubs are still in this area, including the popular splavs or floating bars on the river.
The early 20th century was Savamala’s golden age and by 1914, it was the most densely populated area of Belgrade with arranged streets, a primary school, and the country’s first bank. It had a port and a railway nearby allowing for lots of travel. The area suffered heavy bombardment in both World War I and II, leaving a lot of it in ruins. The neighborhood has undergone major reconstruction since and it’s a bit of a dichotomy.
Some areas remain the hipster spot of the city, with a blend of trendiest and divey clubs. It’s where artists flourish and Belgrade has been able to avoid the modern transformation. But others, like the Beton Hala Waterfront, resemble places like Dubai with fancy skyscrapers, restaurants, and a big shopping mall. Though it may feel out of place and has sparked some controversy, the waterfront is a nice place to go walk around or spend an afternoon.
Where to stay in Belgrade? Savamala is the perfect option for a unique blend of history, nightlife, and contrasting atmospheres.
Best Budget Place to Stay in Savamala
Balkan Soul Hostel
The Balkan Soul Hostel is not directly in Savamala, but about a 10-minute walk away. It’s very close to the Knez Mihajlova pedestrian area, the Belgrade fortress, and the Belgrade waterfront.
Despite its proximity to all these areas, it’s hidden in a peaceful spot with cobblestone and linden trees. Some guests complained about the bathroom situation being cramped, but most of the reviews are incredibly positive and rave about the friendliness of the staff.
The hostel prides itself on designing it as a place where guests can get to know each other, relax, and mingle. They show concerts, movies, and sports events on the big screen.
Photo Credit: Balkan Soul Hostel
Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Savamala
Jump Inn Hotel
The Jump Inn Hotel is an awesome spot if you’re looking to stay close to the Sava River. It’s located in the Savamala district, which is known as the artsier one in the city. The building itself is stunning, and the rooms are modern and comfortable.
They have a great restaurant on-site and a beautiful garden where guests can enjoy their meals during the warmer months.
The hotel is particularly close to the Belgrade Waterfront and the new Galerija Mall, with lots of great bars and restaurants. It’s also only 1km away from Republic Square and the Knez Mihailova pedestrian street.
Photo Credit: Jump inn Hotel
Best Luxury Place to Stay in Savamala
Amsterdam Hotel
The Amsterdam Hotel is a luxurious spot in the Savamala district, known for its arts and nightlife scene. It’s close to the Belgrade Waterfront, a 15-minute walk away from the Belgrade Fortress, and 2.5 km from St. Sava Temple.
The hotel offers twin rooms and penthouse apartments – and everything in between. The rooms are modern, with big beds and full-length mirrors. They also offer a la carte breakfast every day.
The Mokum Restaurant is located on the roof of the hotel, offering unbelievable views. You can see Ušće and New Belgrade on one side, Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront on the second, and St. Sava Temple on the third side.
Photo Credit: Hotel Amsterdam
Zemun
For those who are looking for a city within the city
Though Zemun is part of Belgrade, it feels completely different from the rest of the city. It’s right on the Danube River and, like the rest of Serbia, has been ruled by most of the great empires. Its population has always been mixed, and today, many there say that it is more multiethnic and cosmopolitan than the rest of Belgrade.
The architecture is also different, with more Austro-Hungarian influence, like the city of Novi Sad and other Central European cities such as Budapest. Gardoš is the major historical landmark of Zemun. The tower was built around a hill, offering the perfect lookout over the Danube River.
Zemun is a charming old town with narrow streets and historic homes. It also has a nice boardwalk right on the Danube River, with restaurants and splavs along the way. You can follow it all the way until you reach a bridge that leads you over the river and into Savamala. However, it is a lengthy walk to reach the Old City, so you’ll have to rely on cars or public transportation.
Where to stay in Belgrade? Zemun is perfect if you’re looking for something completely different to the rest of the city.
Best Budget Place to Stay in Zemun
Hostel 1910
The Hostel 1910 is located in the heart of the old city of Zemun, next to Madlenianum Opera and Theatre and the pedestrian zone. It’s just a few minutes away from the Danube river and the popular Gardoš tower.
All the rooms are air-conditioned. The dormitory rooms offer a private locker for each guest and come with a shared bathroom. The private rooms include cable TV. They also have a backyard, a communal kitchen, and offer laundry service.
Photo Credit: Hostel 1910
Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Zemun
Garni Hotel D10
The Garni Hotel D10 is a modern hotel right in the Zemun municipality and a short walk away from the Danube river. It’s very close to Gardoš and the different bars and restaurants along the river.
They offer a range of different room sizes, but they all feel cozy and warm. Guests rave about the breakfast, which is different every day, and the friendliness of the staff. There’s also a parking lot available, which can be a rarity to find in the city.
Photo Credit: Garni Hotel 10D
Best Luxury Place to Stay in Zemun
Apartments Marconio Wellness Club
The Apartments Marconio Wellness Club is further into Zemun, about a 30-minute walk away from Gardoš. But, what makes it so special is that the apartments are located inside an actual spa! This means that the two rooms have their own sauna, steam bath, and jacuzzi.
They have three apartments available, one of which even has its own pool. They vary in size, but one can accommodate up to 6 people. However, they are particularly loved by couples in search of a romantic adventure.
Photo Credit: Apartments Marconio Wellness Club
New Belgrade
For those looking for convenience
New Belgrade is the youngest of Belgrade’s municipalities and in total contrast to the Old City located right across the river. It came about after many were left homeless following World War II. The socialist government at the time wanted to provide homes for as many people as possible, so they created an area that would come to embody that socialist ideology.
The one word that comes to mind when you think of New Belgrade is concrete. Everywhere you look there are large “block” buildings, following the brutalist architecture of the time known for its angular shapes and rough materials. Frankly, it’s not the prettiest neighborhood but it will grow on you. The streets are also much wider than in the rest of the city, so some travelers do feel slightly more comfortable there when driving.
The area is close to Zemun, the nice Ušće Park (the largest in the city), the Sava and Danube rivers, and many of the famous floating bars. It’s also much closer to the airport than the Old City, so great for business travelers. However, New Belgrade is about a 2-hour walk away from Vračar and the Old City, so you’ll have to rely on cars or public transportation.
Where to stay in Belgrade? New Belgrade is perfect for those looking to explore the brutalist architecture.
Best Budget Place to Stay in New Belgrade
Green House Hostel
The Green House Hostel is right on the Danube, in the middle of the Ušće park, near the bicycle track, walking, and jogging path.
The hostel has 11 air-conditioned rooms, with a view of the river, and a large living room with a bar and a kitchen. There is an on-site bar and two balconies on the ground level and second floor, with a view of the river, Zemun, and the Belgrade Fortress.
All rooms have their own bathrooms with all the necessary utilities and showers, as well as an air conditioner for cooling and heating.
Photo Credit: Green House Hostel
Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in New Belgrade
New Belgrade Garni Hotel
The New Belgrade Garni Hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport and offers free parking on-site. They offer 14 different design rooms, but they are all spacious and modern, and some even have a balcony.
Hotel guests also have access to the sports complex Vizura, which is behind the hotel, but in the same yard. They offer different activities, including swimming, fitness, basketball, and volleyball courts.
Photo Credit: New Belgrade Garni Hotel
Best Luxury Place to Stay in New Belgrade
Falkensteiner Hotel
The Falkensteiner Hotel is a 4-star hotel, which stands out for its brutalist architecture on the outside and its modern design on the inside. The hotel is close to the airport, has lots of meeting and conference areas, and offers great panoramic views of the city.
There are 170 rooms in the hotel – some with fancy bathtubs. The hotel is known for its beautiful Acquapura City SPA wellness area and modern bar. It’s only a 10-minute walk away from the river, so easy to access all the popular floating bars and restaurants.
Photo Credit: Falkensteiner Hotel
Dedinje
For those with families looking to stay in the suburbs
Dedinje is the most residential neighborhood of all the ones listed in this guide. It’s actually the wealthiest of all neighborhoods in the city, known for its grandiose villas and mansions. For reference, this is where the US embassy is based.
The area is calm and quiet, with wide streets and lots of parks and green space. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Vračar, in the opposite direction of the Old City. This means that getting to any of the popular spots will certainly require a car or public transportation.
When people ask us where to stay in Belgrade, we will recommend the area for families or those looking to visit Belgrade, but to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It has some nice cafes and restaurants, and the Museum of Yugoslav History, which has some nice gardens and a great gift shop if you’re ever in need of souvenirs.
Because of the residential nature, hotels in Dedinje are lacking. So, if you choose to stay here, the best option is to look for homes on Airbnb, like this beautiful unit with a pool!
Where to stay in Belgrade? Dedinje is perfect for those looking for a calm and quiet spot.