Belgrade is a city with many districts, and travellers will enjoy exploring different Belgrade neighbourhoods to experience the city’s full character. The city centre is busy and loud, but many nearby areas feel calm and local. You can move around more easily when you rent a car in Belgrade. Roads connect all major districts, and parking is readily available in many residential areas. Many streets in Belgrade are narrow, so drive slowly and stay alert. Below is your guide to the best neighbourhoods in Belgrade.
Belgrade is a city where each area feels distinct when you explore. One moment you are walking through old cobbled streets, and a few minutes later you’ll reach modern cafés or quiet parks.
Skadarlija is located in the Old Town. The area developed during the 19th century as artists and actors filled its cafés. The district became a major gathering place for creative work. You can still see this spirit in the restored buildings and old taverns today. The narrow, cobbled lanes retain their historic shape. Skadarlija has a long bohemian history. Writers, actors, and musicians loved the area.
The whole street is pedestrian-only, so you can walk without noise from cars. Houses have graffiti and small flowerpots, and you’ll feel the creative mood around every turn. This old quarter is also known as the Serbian Montmartre, which highlights its unique character. You can enjoy a slow morning at Zaokret, a popular spot for breakfast. Skadarlija also has many cafés, wine bars, and restaurants. You can stroll at night and listen to live groups in the old taverns.
Dorćol is one of the most interesting Belgrade neighbourhoods. The streets show traces of both Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influence. Many buildings are old and elegant, while others are young and creative. You will see this contrast as soon as you start walking. The cafés in Dorćol are some of the best in the city. Students, artists, and young workers fill the cafés throughout the day. The vibe feels modern, but the district is also one of the oldest in Belgrade.
Dorćol has several areas you should explore. Strahinjića Bana Street is famous for bars, modern restaurants, and nightlife. Dorćol Platz is another spot full of design studios, art events, and creative work. The Museum of Science and Technology offers interactive exhibits. If you walk towards the river, you reach the Silosi zone. Young creatives turned old harbour hangars into an art space with large murals and an open industrial feel. Nightlife is popular in Dorćol. Many people come here to enjoy wine bars, modern clubs, and late-night cafés.
Stari Grad is the oldest part of Belgrade and one of the most visited Belgrade neighbourhoods. The district has numerous cultural landmarks, narrow lanes, open squares, and significant buildings. It is at the centre of the city, so you can travel between major sights easily.
Stari Grad brings together many key attractions. The Belgrade Fortress stands above the Danube and Sava rivers. The Knez Mihailova pedestrian street is lined with many shops and remains active from morning to night. Republic Square is home to the National Museum and the National Theatre. Stari Grad also covers Upper and Lower Dorćol, which both offer cafés, markets, and cultural spots. Old buildings, cobblestone paths, and historic façades shape much of the area. Walking distances are short, and most popular places are close to one another. Hotels and apartments often occupy older buildings with traditional details.
Vračar is situated southeast of Slavija Square and offers a serene respite from the city centre. The district underwent significant changes after World War II, as older houses made way for taller residential blocks. Vračar is home to some of the most important sights in the city. The Saint Sava Temple is one of the largest churches in the world and a major symbol of Serbia. The Nikola Tesla Museum is also located in this district and focuses on the life and work of the renowned Serbian-American scientist. The area includes the Kalenić Market, a popular place for fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Parts of Vračar have a youthful mood because of nearby universities. Cafés, bars, and restaurants are situated close together. Some streets are busy, especially near the market, but most residential roads are quiet. Walking to the Old Town takes around25 minutes. Vračar is ideal for travellers who want a peaceful area without staying far from major attractions. It’s ideal for longer visits, families, and visitors who want a comfortable base.
Palilula is the largest municipality in central Belgrade. The district stretches east of Republic Square and is bounded by several main boulevards. It is more residential and local compared to the busy Old Town. Palilula has some important green spaces. Tašmajdan Park is one of the biggest parks in the central area. It has wide walking paths, open lawns, and shaded corners. The Botanical Garden is nearby. There is a small entry fee, but the visit is worth it because the garden holds many exotic plants and a small Japanese garden.
Savamala is situated along the Sava River. The district has changed greatly in recent years. Parts of it were once neglected, but artists and young creators revived many old spaces. Renovation added new walkways and open areas along the river.The northern entry to Savamala is Kosancicev Venac, one of the oldest historical quarters outside Kalemegdan. The streets here are cobbled and quiet. The Orthodox Cathedral is in this area, and the Question Mark Tavern, the city’s oldest traditional tavern, is nearby. You can walk downhill from here to reach the riverside. The Branko Bridge marks a central point of Savamala and offers views of the rivers and the city skyline.
Old warehouses have been transformed into creative zones, with KC Grad emerging as a well-known cultural hub. Numerous exhibitions, workshops, and events are held here. The riverfront becomes lively in the summer due to the floating bars known as splavovi. These river barges play a variety of music stles and stay open late. The area also features newer developments, including the reconstructed promenade, which boasts modern cafés and open spaces perfect for strolls.
Zemun, situated by the Danube River, is distinctly different from central Belgrade. The district once belonged to the Habsburg Empire, so the architecture follows Central European stles. Streets are narrow and lined with red-roofed houses. Many travellers enjoy the village-like mood, which contrasts with the busy centre. The main landmark in Zemun is the Gardoš Tower, built in 1896. The tower stands on a steep hill, but the climb is short. The view from the top is wide and impressive. The Danube shines below the hill, and the rest of Belgrade spreads out on the opposite side.
Small cafés and restaurants are near the tower, many offering grilled fish fresh from the river. These spots are good places to rest after exploring the old lanes. Zemun features a long riverside promenade that remains active throughout the year. People walk, jog, and relax along the water. The area also has many fish restaurants with outdoor seating. The streets in the old town area keep the historic look, with baroque buildings and older houses. Hotels in Zemun often offer good value, making the district a great choice for travellers.
Dedinje is the most residential district in Belgrade and one of the most peaceful areas in the city. The neighbourhood has large villas, embassies, and wide roads with tall trees. It is located south of Vračar. The district spreads across gentle slopes and green spaces. Many streets are clean and open, unlike the narrow lanes of the Old Town. Due to the greater distance between places, travellers often use a car to move around. Driving here is simple because the area has wide roads and light traffic.
The main landmark is the Museum of Yugoslav History, which includes peaceful gardens. The museum area is for travellers who want to learn about the country’s past. Dedinje also has a few cafés and restaurants hidden among quiet streets. Hotels in Dedinje are limited because the area focuses on residential homes and embassies. Many visitors choose apartments or houses for their stay.
Belgrade offers a diverse range of areas, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Some districts are historic, while others are modern and creative. You can easily move between them, especially when driving. Choose an area that matches your mood, and you will enjoy simple walks, local food, and warm neighbourhood life.
Rent a car in Belgrade with Final Rentals to make your trip smoother and pick up your vehicle at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Booking is simple, the prices are clear, and there are no hidden fees. You can choose from compact cars for city roads or larger SUVs for countryside trips. With 24/7 airport service and well-maintained vehicles, Final Rentals keeps your drive safe, comfortable, and stress-free. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
