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Where to stay in Belgrade: the best areas for first-timers, couples and families

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The short answerFor a first visit, stay in Stari Grad (the old town) around Knez Mihailova, or nearby Dorćol, so you can walk to the main sights. Vračar suits a quieter, residential feel, Savamala and the Waterfront suit modern riverside stays, and Zemun is a calmer old-town base. Check noise levels, because Belgrade nightlife can be loud.
The Belgrade Waterfront tower beside the river
Photo: Boris Hamer / Pexels
In this guide
  1. Step 1: Choose by what you want to walk to
  2. Step 2: Think about noise
  3. Step 3: Check transport
  4. Step 4: Book with flexibility

Belgrade is a city of neighbourhoods, and where you sleep changes the trip. Here is how to choose.

AreaBest forFeel
Stari Grad and Knez MihailovaFirst-timers, walkersCentral, busy, close to the fortress
DorćolCafes, riverside, couplesRelaxed and trendy, still walkable
VračarFamilies, quieter staysResidential, near the Church of Saint Sava
Savamala and the WaterfrontModern apartments, river viewsNewer, lively in the evening
ZemunA calmer base, old-town feelA short ride from the centre

1Choose by what you want to walk to

If you want the fortress, shops and cafes at your door, choose Stari Grad. For a calmer evening, try Dorćol or Vračar.

2Think about noise

Belgrade has a lively nightlife, with river clubs and late bars. If you sleep lightly, check recent reviews for noise and ask for a room away from the street.

The medieval Golubac Fortress on the Danube
Photo: Bojana J / Pexels

3Check transport

Trams, buses and taxis cover the city, and the centre is walkable. See getting around Serbia.

4Book with flexibility

Choose free cancellation if your plans may change. See 3 days in Belgrade for what to see.

Details change. Check opening times, prices and official advice before you go.

This guide is part of our complete Serbia travel guide for UK visitors. See all places to visit guides.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best area to stay in Belgrade?

Stari Grad and Dorćol are popular for first-timers because you can walk to the main sights.

Is Belgrade noisy at night?

Parts of it can be, especially near bars and river clubs. Check reviews and ask for a quieter room.

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