Belgrade Guide for Budget Travelers
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Belgrade isn't considered a beautiful city, but the locals' spirits and gritty attitude make it one of the most popular cities in Europe.
Two large rivers connect within Belgrade's city limits giving the waterfront some considerable charm. Belgrade also has massive amount of graffitied buildings. This gives photographers a chance to document the dark side of Serbia. Bars, coffee shops and small restaurants line each city block for foodies and drinkers. There's endless fun in Belgrade as long as you are an open-minded person. |
Price of Services in Belgrade
Hostels - Hostels in Belgrade are some of the cheaper hostels you'll find in this area of the world. The starting price is 600SRD ($6USD or 5€). You'll get a 7-20 dorm room at this price. Anything under 7 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 800SRD ($9USD or 8€) or more for a 4-5 person dorm room. Private dorm rooms will start around 1,300SRD ($13USD or 11€).
Food Costs - Food in Belgrade is cheap. Expect to pay 240SRD ($2USD or 1.50€) for a budget breakfast and lunch, and 360SRD ($4USD or 3€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a bit more. Expect to pay 840SRD ($8USD or 7€). A beer (.5L) will cost 120SRD ($1.50USD or 1€) in a bar.
Transportation - Transportation in Belgrade, like many European cities, isn't friendly on the wallet. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 1,800SRD ($17USD or 15€). The mini bus from the airport to the city center will be a better option for budget travelers. Expect to pay 240SRD ($3USD or 2€). Belgrade taxis charge 360SRD ($4USD or 3€) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. Metro buses are also a good option at 100SRD ($1USD or .85€) for any stop in the city. Belgrade is a walking and biking city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 480SRD ($5USD or 4€). The Nikola Tesla museum will cost 480 SRD ($5USD or 4€). Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves.
Food Costs - Food in Belgrade is cheap. Expect to pay 240SRD ($2USD or 1.50€) for a budget breakfast and lunch, and 360SRD ($4USD or 3€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a bit more. Expect to pay 840SRD ($8USD or 7€). A beer (.5L) will cost 120SRD ($1.50USD or 1€) in a bar.
Transportation - Transportation in Belgrade, like many European cities, isn't friendly on the wallet. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 1,800SRD ($17USD or 15€). The mini bus from the airport to the city center will be a better option for budget travelers. Expect to pay 240SRD ($3USD or 2€). Belgrade taxis charge 360SRD ($4USD or 3€) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. Metro buses are also a good option at 100SRD ($1USD or .85€) for any stop in the city. Belgrade is a walking and biking city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 480SRD ($5USD or 4€). The Nikola Tesla museum will cost 480 SRD ($5USD or 4€). Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 45SRD ($.45USD or .38€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 600SRD ($6USD or 5€) a day if you budget right.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 45SRD ($.45USD or .38€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 600SRD ($6USD or 5€) a day if you budget right.
Red Flags
Taxi Overpricing - Taxi drivers will jack up the price if you aren't watching. Be sure to watch the meter at all time to make sure you aren't getting overcharged.
#1 Free Walking Tour of CityTake the opportunity of a free walking tour of the city. If you are into photography, this city has plenty to offer. Learn about the divide of the Balkan countries while enjoying a nice sunny walk along the waterfront.
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#2 Belgrade FortessTake a stroll through a second century defensive fortress that overlooks the city. Walk the same paths as soldiers did 800-years-ago. There aren't many fortresses this intact in Europe. Make sure to bring a camera!
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#3 Ada CiganlijaThis one of the best beaches in Serbia. It lies alongside the main river in town. On sunny day, take a few beers to the shore and enjoy the best relaxing spots in this gritty city.
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