5 things to know before you go to Belgrade
The essentials
- Flight: ~1 hr 45 min from Istanbul
- Visa: Visa-free up to 90 days for Turkish passport holders
- Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)
- Time difference: 1 hour behind Türkiye in summer, 2 hours behind in winter
- Our number one tip: If you’re paying by card and asked “dinar or euro?”, always choose the local currency, the dinar. Letting your bank do the conversion is usually the better deal.
Belgrade is a short flight from Istanbul, a city Turkish passport holders can visit visa-free, and one that feels familiar from day one. Still, there are a few small details to know before you pack. We tripped up on a few of them, so you don’t have to.
1No visa for Turkish citizens, just a passport
Citizens of Türkiye can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourist visits. Make sure your passport is still valid for several months after your return date. Since the rules can change from time to time, we recommend checking the latest information from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you set off.
2Dinars, not euros
The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian dinar. Many places take cards, but small bakeries, markets and some kafanas still want cash. Exchange offices in the city center marked “menjačnica” usually offer better rates than those at the airport.
3From the airport to the city
Nikola Tesla Airport is about 18 km from the city center. The A1 express line drops you off at Slavija Square. If you prefer a taxi, pick up your voucher from the official taxi desk in the arrivals hall, so the fare is clear from the start.
4Smoking indoors, a surprise
Many cafés and restaurants in Belgrade still allow smoking indoors. If you’re sensitive to smoke, ask before going in or choose a terrace table. The “nepušači” sign on the door means a non-smoking area.
5Familiar food, huge portions
Ćevapi, pljeskavica, burek, kajmak… These names will sound familiar too. Portions are usually big; if you’re two people, sharing one main dish and adding a shopska salad on the side is often enough. If service isn’t included in the bill, leaving a tip of around 10% is common.
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Places in this story
- Kalemegdan Fortress (Stari Grad, Belgrade) — Viewpoint. A fortress and park overlooking the point where the Sava meets the Danube. The go-to spot in Belgrade for watching the sunset. Must try: Sunset in front of the Pobednik Monument
- Tri Šešira (Skadarlija, Belgrade) — Restaurant. One of Skadarlija’s oldest kafanas, open since 1864. In the evenings, a live band wanders between the tables, making for a special experience. Must try: Mixed grill and kajmak
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go to Belgrade?
Citizens of Türkiye can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourist visits; a passport is required for entry. Check the latest information from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
What currency is used in Belgrade?
The official currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD). Cards are widely accepted, but small bakeries, markets and some kafanas want cash. When paying by card, choosing dinars is usually more advantageous.
How do I get from Belgrade airport to the city center?
Nikola Tesla Airport is about 18 km from the center. The A1 express line goes to Slavija Square; for a taxi, pick up a voucher from the official taxi desk in the arrivals hall.
Authors
This story was written by Tuğba & Burak. We have been traveling together for 13 years and we visit every place we recommend ourselves. Instagram: @gezsekdedik