Where to Stay in Belgrade 🇷🇸: 6 Best Neighborhoods & Top Hotels

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Belgrade

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: S Club Resort Aqua Park and Spa
• ✨ 5-Star: Simma Luxury Apartments & Rooms
• 🏨 4-Star: Tulip Inn Putnik Belgrade
• 🛏 3-Star: Balkan Garni Hotel
• 💸 Cheap: Olivia Rooms
• 🏢 Apartment: Belgrade Waterfront Riverside Apartments
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Apart Maksimum
• 🏩 For Couples: Flaneur Hotel

Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Belgrade 📋

• 🏛️ First-Time Visitors: Stari Grad Hotels
• 🎨 Cultural Experience: Skadarlija Hotels
• 🌟 Hip Atmosphere: Dorcol Hotels
• 🍸 Nightlife: Savamala Hotels
• 🏡 Quiet Residential Feel: Vracar Hotels
• 💰 Budget Travelers: Palilula Hotels

1. Stari Grad – Where to Stay in Belgrade for First-Time Visitors

Getting Around. Honestly, I think Stari Grad is perfect for your first Belgrade trip. Everything you want to see is right there – you can walk to Republic Square in 2 minutes, and Knez Mihailova street is basically your outdoor mall that leads straight to the old fortress. No need for taxis or figuring out the bus system.

Public Transport Made Easy. The great thing about staying in Old Town Belgrade is that trams and buses stop everywhere around here. I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes for transport. The main tram stops are at Republic Square and Studentski Trg, and from there you can get anywhere in the city pretty quickly.

What’s Close By:

• Kalemegdan Fortress – 5 minutes walking (great for sunset photos)
• National Museum – literally across the street from most hotels
• Princess Ljubica’s Residence – 3 minutes walk (beautiful old Serbian house)
• Belgrade Cathedral – 4 minutes walk (free to visit)

Shopping. Knez Mihailova has everything from Zara to small Serbian craft shops. I spent hours there just browsing. The street performers are pretty good too. If you want a proper shopping mall, Rajiceva Shopping Center is about 300 meters away with all the usual brands.

Food Everywhere. You’ll find traditional Serbian restaurants like Tri Šešira (famous for their grilled meat) right in the pedestrian zone. For quick bites, there’s a McDonald’s and KFC on Republic Square, plus tons of bakeries selling burek for about 150 RSD (1.30 EUR). Local tip: try the pljeskavica at any street vendor – it’s like a Serbian burger.

Party Scene Access. If you want to experience Belgrade nightlife, staying here is smart. Skadarlija (the old bohemian area) is literally 5 minutes away – that’s where you’ll find traditional music and strong rakija. For modern clubs, Savamala district is about 15 minutes on foot, or you can take tram 2 for 150 RSD (1.30 EUR).

Best Hotels in Stari Grad

Luxury Hotels

• Simma Luxury Apartments & Rooms – This 5-star hotel located in Belgrade offers luxurious suites with modern amenities and elegant design in the heart of the city.
• Boutique Museum Hotel – A boutique hotel that combines cultural heritage with contemporary comfort, featuring sophisticated rooms and premium services.
• Eden Luxury Suites Terazije – This hotel is located on prestigious Terazije Square, offering upscale accommodations with panoramic city views and luxury amenities.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Hotel Forever – A modern hotel Belgrade that provides comfortable rooms with contemporary design and convenient access to major attractions.
• Ben Akiba Luxury Suites – This hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking affordable comfort near cultural venues and shopping areas.
• Nobel Design Hotel – A stylish hotel Belgrade offering modern rooms with thoughtful design elements and excellent value for money.

Best Hostels

• Hostel Iris – This hostel provides budget-friendly accommodations with clean facilities and friendly atmosphere for backpackers.
• Hostel Fine – A well-maintained hostel offering dormitory and private rooms with basic amenities and central location.
• UP Hostel – This budget accommodation features simple rooms with essential facilities, perfect for travelers seeking affordable stays.

2. Skadarlija – Where to Stay in Belgrade for Cultural Experience

Bohemian Vibes. I absolutely love Skadarlija – it’s like stepping into old Belgrade. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings make you feel like you’re in a movie. This area is basically Belgrade’s version of Paris’s Montmartre, but with way more affordable drinks and better live music.

Traditional Music Scene. What makes Skadarlija special is the live music that happens almost every night. I’ve heard amazing traditional Serbian bands playing in the kafanas (traditional taverns) until 2 AM. The musicians walk between tables and play requests – it’s totally different from anything you’ll find in other European cities.

Famous Kafanas in Skadarlija:

• Tri Šešira (Three Hats) – oldest kafana, opened in 1864
• Dva Jelena (Two Deer) – famous for traditional Serbian music
• Šešir Moj (My Hat) – popular with locals and tourists
• Zlatni Bokal (Golden Chalice) – known for folk music performances

Art and Culture. The street is lined with art galleries, antique shops, and small museums. I spent an entire afternoon just browsing through vintage Serbian posters and old books. Street artists set up their easels during the day, and you can watch them paint portraits or Belgrade landmarks.

Local Food Culture. This is where you’ll get the most authentic Serbian food experience. The kafanas serve traditional dishes like ćevapi, sarma, and kajmak. What I love is that the waiters actually explain the dishes to you – they’re proud of their food culture and want you to understand what you’re eating.

Street Art and History. The walls tell stories here – you’ll see murals about Serbian history mixed with modern graffiti. I discovered that many buildings date back to the 19th century, and some of the kafanas have been serving customers for over 150 years. The architecture is totally different from the modern parts of Belgrade.

Best Hotels in Skadarlija

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Skadarlija – This premium accommodation located in Belgrade’s bohemian quarter offers elegant rooms with traditional Serbian charm and modern amenities.
• Villa Skadarlija – An upscale villa that combines luxury with authentic Serbian hospitality, featuring sophisticated interiors and personalized service.
• Apartments Skadarlija – These luxury apartments provide spacious accommodations with high-end furnishings and stunning views of the historic cobblestone streets.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Skadarlija NB – A comfortable mid-range option that offers good value for money with well-appointed rooms and convenient location.
• Apartment Skadarlija – This affordable apartment-style accommodation provides home-like comfort with kitchen facilities and modern amenities.
• Room 25 – A budget-friendly option that offers clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities for travelers seeking affordable stays.

Best Hostels

• El Diablo Hostel – A vibrant hostel offering budget accommodations with social atmosphere and basic amenities for young travelers.
• Boem Exclusive Rooms Skadarlija – This local hostel provides authentic Serbian hospitality with comfortable dormitory beds and communal spaces for meeting fellow travelers.

3. Dorćol – Where to Stay in Belgrade for Hip Atmosphere

Cool Alternative Scene. Dorćol is where young Belgrade hangs out. I noticed immediately that this area has a completely different energy – modern coffee shops next to old Orthodox churches, street art covering historical buildings, and young people working on laptops in courtyards.

Design District Vibes. This neighborhood attracts artists, designers, and creative types. I’ve seen amazing street murals, pop-up art exhibitions, and small design studios tucked into old buildings. The contrast between old and new makes every corner interesting for photos.

Modern Culture Spots:

• KC Grad (Cultural Center) – concerts and exhibitions
• Mikser House – creative hub with events
• Various independent galleries – change exhibitions monthly
• Street art tours start here
• Design studios and workshops

Fortress Views. The best thing about Dorćol is how close you are to Kalemegdan Fortress. I can walk there in 5 minutes from anywhere in the neighborhood. The fortress has amazing views over the Danube and Sava rivers, especially at sunset. It’s also free to enter, which is great for budget travelers.

Trendy Food Scene. Dorćol has some of Belgrade’s coolest cafes and restaurants. I found places serving everything from traditional Serbian food with modern twists to international cuisine. The coffee culture is huge here – people sit outside cafes for hours, even in winter.

Historical Mix. What makes Dorćol interesting is how history and modern life blend together. You’ll see 18th-century Orthodox churches next to contemporary art spaces. The old residential buildings have been converted into creative spaces, but they still keep their original architecture.

Best Hotels in Dorćol

Luxury Hotels

• Mona Plaza – This boutique hotel located in Belgrade offers elegant rooms with modern amenities and sophisticated design for discerning travelers.
• Dorcol Hideaway – An upscale accommodation that combines luxury with authentic Serbian hospitality in the trendy Dorcol district.
• Blossom – This premium hotel belgrade provides refined accommodations with high-end furnishings and personalized service.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Iva Old Town – A charming hotel belgrade inn offering comfortable rooms with traditional Serbian touches and convenient location.
• Squeeze The Day – This modern accommodation provides good value with clean rooms and friendly service for budget-conscious travelers.
• BGD Downtown Hostel – A well-located property offering affordable private rooms with basic amenities and easy access to city attractions.

Best Hostels

• Cricket Park Hostel – This popular hostel in Belgrade features dormitory beds and common areas perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
• Boutique Apartments 360º – A modern hostel offering budget-friendly accommodations with clean facilities and social atmosphere for backpackers.

4. Savamala – Where to Stay in Belgrade for Nightlife

Underground Party Scene. Savamala is where Belgrade’s nightlife really happens. I’ve experienced some of the best techno clubs in Europe here. The area was pretty run-down until recently, but now it’s become the coolest part of the city for partying and alternative culture.

Club Culture. The clubs here are different from typical European nightlife. Many are housed in old industrial buildings or warehouses, giving them a raw, underground feel. The music is usually electronic, techno, or alternative rock. Parties often don’t start until midnight and go until 6 AM.

Famous Nightlife Spots in Savamala:

• Drugstore – techno club in old warehouse
• 20/44 – alternative music venue
• Mladost – cultural center with parties
• Various pop-up clubs – change locations frequently
• River clubs (splavi) – floating venues on the river

Cultural Renaissance. During the day, Savamala is an art district. I’ve seen amazing street art, independent galleries, and cultural events. The area hosts Belgrade Design Week and other international festivals. It’s become a symbol of Belgrade’s creative transformation.

River Connection. One unique thing about Savamala is its connection to the Sava River. The famous Belgrade river clubs (splavi) are moored here. These floating venues host parties on the water with DJs, live music, and dancing until sunrise. It’s a completely unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Creative Community. What I love about Savamala is the mix of people you meet. Artists, musicians, designers, and young professionals all hang out here. During the day, you’ll see people working in cafes, and at night, the same spaces transform into party venues.

Best Hotels in Savamala

Luxury Hotels

• Feel Belgrade Luxury Apartments – This upscale property offers spacious luxury apartments with premium amenities and modern design for discerning travelers.
• Bel Galleries Karadjordjeva Street – A sophisticated hotel located in Belgrade featuring elegant gallery-style rooms with artistic touches and refined service.
• Sky Hotel – This boutique hotel provides elevated stays with contemporary design and panoramic city views for luxury seekers.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Old Gold Downtown Belgrade – A charming hotel belgrade inn offering comfortable rooms with traditional charm and convenient downtown location.
• Sasa House – This cozy guesthouse provides affordable rooms with home-like atmosphere and personalized Serbian hospitality.
• Bed & Breakfast Garden40 – A pleasant mid-range property featuring comfortable rooms with garden views and peaceful surroundings for budget-conscious travelers.

Best Hostels

• Hostel Inn Downtown Belgrade – This central hostel provides budget-friendly rooms with dormitory beds and common areas for meeting fellow travelers.
• Belgrade City Center Lekic Apart – This budget hotel provides apartment-style rooms with basic amenities and central location for backpackers.

5. Vračar – Where to Stay in Belgrade for Quiet Residential Feel

Local Neighborhood Life. Vračar feels like real Belgrade – away from tourist crowds but still central. I love walking around here because you see how locals actually live. Kids play in small parks, elderly people sit on benches chatting, and families run small shops and cafes.

Religious and Cultural Sites. The massive St. Sava Temple dominates the skyline here. It’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and definitely worth visiting. The area also has several smaller churches and cultural sites that tourists rarely visit.

Vračar Highlights:

• St. Sava Temple – massive Orthodox church
• Karađorđe Park – perfect for morning walks
• Local markets – fresh produce and traditional foods
• Residential streets – authentic Belgrade architecture
• Small cafes – where locals gather for coffee

Quiet but Connected. Even though Vračar feels residential and peaceful, you’re still well-connected to the city center. Trams and buses run frequently, and you can walk to Republic Square in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect if you want to experience local life but still have easy access to tourist attractions.

Authentic Food Culture. This is where you’ll find the best local restaurants that aren’t touristy. I’ve discovered family-run places serving traditional Serbian food at much lower prices than in the city center. The bakeries here make amazing fresh bread and pastries every morning.

Real Belgrade Atmosphere. Living in Vračar means experiencing Belgrade like a local. You’ll hear Serbian conversations, see traditional daily routines, and understand how the city really works. It’s less glamorous than the tourist areas, but much more authentic and genuine.

Best Hotels in Vračar

Luxury Hotels

• Crystal Belgrade – This upscale hotel located in Belgrade offers elegant rooms with premium amenities and sophisticated design for luxury travelers.
• Hanami Design Hotel – A boutique hotel that combines modern luxury with refined service, featuring stylish interiors and high-end facilities.
• Marquise Hotel – This premium property provides sophisticated stays with luxury furnishings and personalized service for discerning guests.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Hotel Nota – A comfortable garni hotel offering good value with well-appointed rooms and convenient location for budget-conscious travelers.
• Mark Hotel – This mid-range hotel belgrade provides affordable comfort with modern amenities and friendly service.
• Hotel Majestic – A pleasant hotel offering reasonable rates with clean rooms and basic facilities for value-seeking guests.

Best Hostels

• Hostel Beogradjanka – This popular hostel in Belgrade features dormitory beds and social atmosphere perfect for backpackers exploring the city.
• Hostel Karavan Inn – A budget-friendly hostel offering clean dormitory rooms with basic amenities and communal areas for meeting fellow travelers.
• Hostel Jellostone – This central hostel provides affordable stays with friendly staff and essential facilities for young travelers visiting Belgrade.

6. Palilula – Where to Stay in Belgrade for Budget Travelers

Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers. Palilula is where I discovered the real budget-friendly side of Belgrade. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic and way cheaper than staying in the tourist areas. You’ll find family-run guesthouses, small apartments, and local restaurants that serve huge portions for very little money.

Local Life Experience. What makes Palilula special is how normal it feels. I walked around and saw kids playing football in the streets, old men playing chess in small parks, and women shopping at neighborhood markets. It’s like staying in a real Belgrade neighborhood instead of a tourist bubble.

Budget-Friendly Spots in Palilula:

• Small family restaurants – meals under 500 RSD
• Local bakeries – burek for 100-150 RSD
• Neighborhood cafes – coffee for 150 RSD
• Street markets – fresh produce at local prices
• Public transport connections – frequent buses and trams

Great Transport Links. Even though Palilula feels far from the center, it’s actually well-connected. Bus lines 5, 9, and 25 take you to Republic Square in about 20 minutes. The tram system also runs through here, and tickets are only 150 RSD for a 90-minute ride.

Authentic Serbian Food. I found some of the best traditional food in Belgrade here. Local restaurants serve massive portions – I’m talking about meals that cost 400-600 RSD and are enough for two people. The quality is just as good as expensive restaurants in the city center.

Shopping Like a Local. Palilula has traditional Serbian markets where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and local specialties at real prices. I bought a week’s worth of groceries for what I’d pay for one restaurant meal in Stari Grad. The vendors are friendly and often give you extra fruit or vegetables for free.

Best Hotels in Palilula

Luxury Hotels

• Metropol Palace – This upscale property offers elegant rooms with premium amenities and sophisticated design for discerning travelers.
• Nobel Zira Hotel – A boutique hotel that combines modern comfort with refined service, featuring stylish interiors and high-end facilities.
• Nobel Palace Hotel – This premium hotel provides sophisticated stays with quality furnishings and personalized service for luxury seekers.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Radisson RED Belgrade – A comfortable hotel belgrade offering good value with well-appointed rooms and convenient central position for budget-conscious travelers.
• Elegance Hotel – This mid-range property provides affordable comfort with modern amenities and friendly service.
• Restoran Sa Prenocistem 43 – A pleasant hotel offering reasonable rates with clean rooms and basic facilities for value-seeking guests.

Best Hostels

• Chillton Hostel – A budget-friendly property offering clean dormitory rooms with basic amenities and communal areas for meeting fellow travelers.
• Cabbage Hostel – This central budget property provides affordable stays with friendly staff and essential facilities for young travelers visiting the city.

FAQs about Visiting Belgrade

1. What is the best area to stay in Belgrade?

The heart of Belgrade, specifically Stari Grad (Old Town) around Republic Square Belgrade, is one of the best places for first-time visitors when you come to Belgrade. This central Belgrade location puts you within walking distance of major attractions and gives you easy access to everything Belgrade has to offer, making it the perfect place to stay for exploring the capital of Serbia.

2. Where should I stay in Belgrade for nightlife?

Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront area offers one of Belgrade’s best nightlife experiences with its underground club scene and river venues. This neighborhood in Belgrade transforms after dark with techno clubs, alternative music venues, and floating splavi that create a unique party atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the capital of Serbia.

3. What are the best hotels in Belgrade Old Town?

Hotel Moskva, located on Terazije Square, is one of Belgrade’s best historic accommodations and has been operating since 1908 in the center of Belgrade. The Belgrade Art Hotel on Knez Mihailova Street offers modern luxury in the heart of Belgrade, while Square Nine Hotel provides boutique elegance just 50 meters from the main pedestrian zone.

4. Which neighborhood in Belgrade is best for families?

Vračar offers a peaceful residential feel that’s perfect for families traveling to Belgrade, with St. Sava Temple and Karađorđe Park providing family-friendly attractions. This area in Belgrade gives you authentic local life while maintaining great location access to central Belgrade through excellent public transport connections.

5. What 4-star hotel options are available in Belgrade?

Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade stands out as a 4-star superior accommodation in the business district of Belgrade, designed by star architect Boris Podrecca with panoramic views of the city. The Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade and Belgrade City Hotel are also excellent 4-star hotel choices that offer modern amenities and great location for when you’re traveling to Belgrade.

6. Where is Putnik Inn Belgrade located?

Putnik Inn Belgrade is situated in New Belgrade’s center, about 100 meters from the Danube river bank in the modern Belgrade business hub. This accommodation in Belgrade offers a 10-minute drive to the historic center while providing easy access to the business district of Belgrade and excellent connections for exploring the capital of Serbia.

7. What makes Dorćol a good place to stay?

Dorćol is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Belgrade for culture lovers, featuring amazing street art, design studios, and proximity to Kalemegdan Fortress. This trendy area in Belgrade attracts artists and creative types while offering easy access to explore Belgrade’s cultural scene and traditional kafanas.

8. Are there luxury hotel options in central Belgrade?

The Square Nine Hotel offers luxury accommodation just 50 meters from Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone, providing one of Belgrade’s best boutique experiences. Hotel Moskva, while historic, maintains 4-star standards in the center of Belgrade with its renovated facilities and prime location near Republic Square Belgrade for those seeking elegant accommodation in Belgrade.

9. How close is Belgrade to other European cities?

Belgrade is located in the heart of the Balkans, making it one of the best places to explore multiple countries when you come to Belgrade for an extended trip. The capital of Serbia sits just 2 hours by train from Novi Sad, 3 hours from Budapest, and 6 hours from Vienna, giving you excellent access to explore Belgrade as a base for regional adventures throughout Central and Eastern Europe.