Belgrade is the obvious base for Serbia — excellent central location, all onward transport and the country's best accommodation range. Within Belgrade, the choice of neighbourhood significantly affects your experience. Here's how to choose.
🏛️ Stari Grad (Old Town) — Best Overall
Belgrade's historic centre — close to Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic Square, Knez Mihailova pedestrian street and Skadarlija. The most central option for first-time visitors.
Budget: Hostels and guesthouses from €15–30/night. Belgrade's best hostels are here — social, central and very well run.
Mid-range: Boutique hotels from €55–85/night. Design-forward properties with rooftop terraces and Kalemegdan views.
Best for: First visit, sightseeing focus, Skadarlija evenings.
🎨 Savamala — Best for Nightlife & Arts
Belgrade's most creative neighbourhood — converted industrial buildings housing galleries, design studios, the finest cocktail bars and the legendary clubs. On the Sava riverbank, 10 minutes' walk from Stari Grad.
Budget: Hostels from €14–22/night — many have rooftop terraces overlooking the Sava.
Mid-range: Boutique hotels from €60–90/night — design-forward properties in converted industrial buildings.
Best for: Nightlife, arts scene, younger travellers.
🌊 Zemun — Most Atmospheric
The former Austro-Hungarian town across the Sava — now part of Belgrade but with a completely different character: quieter, older, with a beautiful quayside and the Gardoš Tower hill.
Mid-range: Guesthouses and hotels from €50–75/night — more residential and peaceful than central Belgrade.
Best for: Longer stays, quieter experience, quayside fish restaurants.
🏙️ Novi Sad
If visiting Novi Sad independently (easy by train from Belgrade), staying overnight gives you the city without the day-trip crowds.
Budget: Hostels from €14–22/night.
Mid-range: Hotels in the old town from €55–80/night — very good quality.
Best for: EXIT Festival attendees, those combining with Vojvodina region.
✔ Best overall: Stari Grad (Old Town) — central to everything
✔ Best for nightlife: Savamala — gallery bars and river clubs on your doorstep
✔ Most atmospheric: Zemun — quieter, beautiful quayside
✔ Best value: Stari Grad hostels — outstanding quality for the price
✔ Outside Belgrade: Novi Sad old town for EXIT Festival or longer stays
FAQs
Which area of Belgrade is best for tourists?
Stari Grad for first-time visitors — walkable to Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova, Skadarlija and 15 minutes to Savamala. Savamala if nightlife is the priority.
Should I book Belgrade accommodation in advance?
During EXIT Festival week (Novi Sad, July) yes — months ahead. For Belgrade generally, 2–3 weeks is sufficient. Good boutique hotels fill quickly in May, June and September.
Is it better to stay in Belgrade or Novi Sad?
Belgrade for most visitors — better transport connections, more to do and a wider accommodation range. Novi Sad as a 1-night stop to avoid the day-trip crowds and experience the city at its own pace.