When people think of Belgrade, they usually picture the grand Kalemegdan fortress, the bohemian spirit of Skadarlija, or the vibrant energy along Knez Mihailova Street. But if you linger a bit longer and give the city time to reveal itself, you’ll find there’s much more beneath the surface. Belgrade has layers: quiet corners, wild islands, nostalgic hillsides, and creative neighborhoods that feel alive in a different rhythm. These are the places where locals escape, where the city breathes. Here are some of our favorite Belgrade hidden gems that truly show the soul of Serbia’s capital.
Gardoš Tower – A Walk Through Time in Zemun
Let’s start in Zemun, one of Belgrade’s most charming and historically rich districts. It feels almost like a town of its own, with narrow cobblestone streets, red-roofed houses, and the lazy flow of the Danube nearby. And interestingly, it used to be a different city, undtil it merged with Belgrade in 1934.
At the top of it all stands Gardoš Tower, built in 1896 as part of the millennium celebrations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The climb up is short but steep, and the view from the top is absolutely worth it. The Danube glitters below, and across the river, the rest of Belgrade stretches out in contrast. Around the tower, small cafés and local restaurants offer the perfect spot to rest with a cup of coffee or a plate of grilled fish fresh from the river.
If you want to really soak in the magic of Zemun, from its quiet riverside promenade to the hidden alleyways that locals adore, join our Zemun Sightseeing Tour. Having someone to share the stories behind its walls makes all the difference.
Veliko Ratno Ostrvo – The Wild Heart of the Danube
A few hundred meters from the urban buzz of New Belgrade lies something completely unexpected. Welcome to the green, untouched island called Veliko Ratno Ostrvo, or “Great War Island.” It’s a natural reserve, home to hundreds of bird species, deer, and wild plants. It’s the kind of place where you suddenly forget you’re still in a capital city.
Accessible by a floating pedestrian bridge in the summer, this island is a sanctuary for anyone craving silence and nature. There’s no noise anad no crowds – just the sound of water and birds overhead. If you venture to Lido Beach, a sandy stretch at the northern tip, you’ll find a small summer café and locals swimming or sunbathing like they’ve discovered their private piece of paradise. Bring water, good shoes, and curiosity. Please note that there are no shops or paved roads here, only raw beauty and tranquility.
Ada Ciganlija – The Most Bustling of Belgrade Hidden Gems
Locals affectionately call it “Belgrade’s Sea,” and once you visit Ada Ciganlija, you’ll see why. This vast river island turned peninsula is the city’s favorite playground. This blend of nature, sports, and leisure buzzes with energy from morning until late at night.
In summer, the lake is lined with cafés, floating bars, and bike paths. Area is full of people enjoying the sunshine and seeking to cool off in the lake. You can rent a kayak, go paddle-boarding, try wake-boarding, or even bungee-jumping. Or, you can simply relax with a cold drink as music drifts from nearby terraces.
What makes Ada special, though, is its atmosphere. It’s where the city comes to breathe. Families with kids, groups of friends playing volleyball, couples cycling side by side, everyone sharing the same big outdoor joy.
For the best experience, check out our Wellness & Spa & Ada Lake Tour. It’s the perfect mix of active and relaxing day, that leaves you sun-touched and smiling.
Avala – Mountains, Towers, and Off-Road Adventure
When city life starts to feel too loud, locals escape to Avala, a small mountain just 30 minutes from downtown Belgrade. It’s one of those places where you can truly feel how close nature is to the city.
The star of the mountain is the Avala Tower, a sleek structure that offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Serbia. From the top, Belgrade looks tiny, distant – a sea of roofs surrounded by endless green. But Avala is more than just a viewpoint. Its trails are perfect for hiking, and the air feels crisp and fresh, especially in the early morning.
If you’re up for something more exciting, our Off-road tour takes you through the forest trails and hidden paths that most visitors never see. It’s the kind of adventure that shakes the city dust off your shoes and replaces it with the scent of pine.
Savamala – Belgrade Hidden Gems in Creative Underground
Back in the city, if you’re in the mood for art, music, and late-night energy, head to Savamala. This riverside district transformed itself from a neglected area into Belgrade’s creative heart.
Old warehouses and crumbling buildings now host design studios, concept bars, and art spaces. Murals decorate the walls, DJs spin in basements, and the streets buzz with a mix of locals and travelers who’ve heard about “the Savamala vibe.”
Places like KC Grad or Mikser House became pioneers of the neighborhood’s revival, and even though new venues come and go, Savamala keeps reinventing itself. It’s messy, lively, unpredictable. That’s exactly what makes it so Belgrade.
Take a slow evening stroll, grab a drink by the river, and watch the city lights flicker on the water. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploration.
So next time you’re in Belgrade, step off the beaten path. Follow the river, climb a tower, wander through the woods, or dance under the stars. You’ll discover that the best parts of the city are often the ones hiding in plain sight.
