Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and serves as the gateway to many Balkan tours. This page lists programs covering Serbia: 3-night Belgrade tours with flights from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, as well as longer Balkan itineraries starting from Belgrade.
What Is There to See in Belgrade?
Kalemegdan Fortress stands on a hill overlooking the confluence of two rivers; within its grounds is the Tomb of Damat Ali Pasha, dating from the Ottoman period. Knez Mihailova Street is the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, while Skadarlija is an old Belgrade street known for its bohemian atmosphere. The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world; Bayraklı Mosque is the only Ottoman mosque in Belgrade to have survived to the present day.
3-Night Belgrade Tours
Short Belgrade packages fly from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet, and from Ankara and Izmir with AJet. The itinerary includes a city tour, Kalemegdan and Zemun; nearby sights such as Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress or Sremski Karlovci can be added as optional excursions. It is the most popular Balkan package for weekends and school breaks.
Serbia on Balkan Tours
Most long Balkan tours fly into or return from Belgrade, then continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Mostar), Montenegro and North Macedonia. “9-country” tours by bus enter Serbia by road via Bulgaria.
Price and Duration
Programs that include Serbia range from 2 to 7 nights; short Belgrade tours are 3 nights, while Balkan tours are mostly 6–7 nights. Prices per person start at around 490 euros.
Visa and Currency
Turkish citizens can enter Serbia visa-free with an ordinary passport for up to 90 days in total within a 180-day period. The local currency is the Serbian dinar; card payments are widely accepted, but euros are not accepted everywhere.
Novi Sad and Surroundings
Novi Sad, about an hour north of Belgrade, is a city on the banks of the Danube with traces of the Austro-Hungarian era. From Petrovaradin Fortress on the opposite bank, you can enjoy views of the city and river; the fortress clock tower is known for having its hour and minute hands reversed. Nearby Sremski Karlovci, with its Baroque buildings and vineyards, and Mount Fruška Gora, with its Orthodox monasteries, are also included in itineraries.
Evenings and Dining in Belgrade
Belgrade is known for its nightlife; floating clubs (splav) along the Sava and Danube rivers and traditional taverns in Skadarlija are classic evening spots. Serbian cuisine is known for ćevapi, pljeskavica (grilled meat patties), sarma and kaymak. The Zemun district is known for its riverside fish restaurants. The city is easy to explore on foot; hotels in the centre are within walking distance of Knez Mihailova and Kalemegdan.
When to Go?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for sightseeing in Belgrade. Summer temperatures can exceed 30 °C, but the riverside is lively; winters are cold and sometimes snowy, and the city gets busy around New Year.
Transportation
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about half an hour from the city center. Buses and trams are common in the city; most attractions in the center are within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Visa for Serbia?
No; you can stay visa-free for a total of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
How Many Days Are Enough for a Belgrade Tour?
3 nights are enough to see the city's main sights and take a nearby trip to a place such as Novi Sad.
Which cities have direct flights to Belgrade?
Available itineraries fly nonstop from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
What currency is used in Belgrade?
Serbian dinar. Card payments are common; you can exchange euros at local exchange offices if you need cash.