The Ultimate Guide to Belgrade’s Best Viewpoints

Belgrade. A city that’s on the rise, yet somehow still under the radar. Every year, more tourists trickle in, hungry for history, culture, and that sweet, sweet panoramic view. But if you think Belgrade is just about Kalemegdan and that tired old fortress view, think again. You’ve forgotten towers and mountaintop panoramas—all waiting to blow your mind (and your Instagram feed).

Here’s a guide that skips the fluff and goes straight for the good stuff: Belgrade viewpoints you can’t afford to miss. Let’s dive in.

Avala Tower: Sky-High Glory

Where It’s At: About 40 minutes by car from downtown Belgrade, looming over the landscape like a Balkan giant.

Forget Kalemegdan. If you want to see Belgrade spread out like a painting, Avala Tower is the real deal.

This telecommunication tower was born in 1965, died in 1999 when NATO decided to knock it down, and then—like a phoenix—it rose from the ashes in 2010. Now, it’s back in action and stronger than ever. Standing tall at 204 meters, it dominates the landscape. 

Very near the tower you have the Monument of the Unknown Hero, a huge monument made out of marble, built between 1934 and 1938 on the location where a Serbian World War I unknown hero died. From there, you already pretty sweet panoramic view from parts of Belgrade (not the downtown), and hills covered by forest. 

Honestly, I have been to Avala a bunch of times and were more than content with the view from the moment. I've gone up the Avala Tower only once or twice. 

But hey, the view from there is also amazing, almost aerial. And if you are only visiting Belgrade shortly, why not make the best out of it?  Go ahead and take the elevator to the top. The full ticket is 400 dinars (approximately 3,5 euros). It’s not going to break the bank.

Getting to the Top: Two options—hike or drive. But be warned, if you choose to hike, parking at the bottom of Avala is a nightmare. If you do manage to find a spot, you’ll feel like you won the lottery. But if you are the lucky one, get your hiking shoes on. On the way up, you might even spot some wild mushrooms if you’re there in autumn. Nothing like a little foraging while you make your way to the tower.

But if you don't care about the hiking and are going there only for the view, I recommend driving all the way up in the car where there is proper free parking. Even better, you will be able to buy some souvenirs (magnets, honey, and whatnot) from the locals and won't have to carry them with you all the way down.

Once you’re at the top, it’s all about that sweeping view of the countryside, with Belgrade glittering in the distance. Fields, forests, hills—it’s a whole other side of Serbia you don’t get to see from the city.

How to Get There: From downtown Belgrade, grab a bus or taxi. Bring snacks. You’ll want to hang around for a while.

Rubin Restaurant: Wine, Dine, and View

Where It’s At: Just 25 minutes from the heart of Belgrade, perched on one of the highest parts of Belgrade.

If you’re into tasty food with a side of city views, Rubin Restaurant is your spot. Let’s get one thing straight—I’m not affiliated, but I wish I was because the food’s great, the service is top-notch, and the view? Well, the view is what you’re really here for.

You can see downtown Belgrade from here, but the view is pure romance, the kind that makes you forget you’re even in a city at all. Yeah, I admit, it’s one of my go-to for romantic dinners. Hills roll softly on the horizon, and Avala Tower pierces the sky like some sentinel watching over the whole scene. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to linger long after the wine’s gone.

But there’s a catch—outdoor seating in Rubin Restaurant (where the magic happens) is only available in sunny, dry weather. No rain, no cold. Think spring, think summer. And, of course, you can’t just stroll in and plop down. You’ve got to make a reservation to sit outside and order something, and the prices aren’t exactly budget-friendly. But hey, a view this good doesn’t come for free.

How to Get There: Grab a public van (E2 number) from downtown, a cab, or drive. Parking’s available, so you won’t have to stress about it.

Aleksandar Club - Ski Slope: Forest Vibes, Great View

Where It’s At: Nestled in Košutnjak, just 20 minutes by car from downtown Belgrade.

Now, here’s a hidden gem you probably wouldn’t find unless someone clued you in. Aleksandar Club is tucked away in the Košutnjak forest, offering a relaxed, low-key vibe that’s all about nature. Pet-friendly? Check. Kid-friendly? Double check. You can even bring the kids in winter with a plastic sled and let them slide down the nearby slope while you sip your coffee like a boss.

This place is no-frills and one of the cheaper spots where you can sit back, relax, and soak in the sights. They serve drinks, maybe a snack or two, but that’s about it. Don’t expect fancy, but expect a great view. 

You can see the main parts of Belgrade from there like the Temple of Saint Sava, the Ada Bridge, and Beograđanka, all the big hitters. Honestly, this spot is one of my all-time favorites and that photo of me sharing my secret favorite view with a foreign friend is the social proof). I usually head there after a stroll through Košutnjak. And every time, I feel like I’m in on some kind of secret. I mean, how many foreigners know about this place? Not many, I’ll bet. But hey, now the secret’s out. Enjoy.

How to Get There: With the bus, a public van (E2) or by car. Unlike some other places on this list, parking is a breeze, with spots right out front.

Sinnerman Bar: The Coolest Sunset

 

Where It’s At: Smack in the middle of Belgrade, more specifically at Republic Square, just a 10-minute walk from anywhere downtown.

Here’s the thing about Sinnerman— even though it is next to you, it is not in your face. You’ll feel like you’re in the wrong place when you first arrive. It’s not like the other rooftop bars in town. It’s got a bit of an underground vibe, a touch of grit, but that’s what makes it so damn cool. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Belgrade, this spot has to be on your list. It’s the kind of place where you order a drink, settle in, and watch the sunset explode across the Belgrade skyline.

And that sunset? It’s what you came for. You’ll have to order drinks to get a good spot, but the cocktails are decent, normal prices, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the view is top-notch. Trust me, it’s worth it.

How to Get There: Walk to Nikola Pašić Square, you will enter that large building which the statue of  Nikola Pašić is giving its back. There you will get the lift to the top floor. 

Zemun Gardoš Tower: Old World Charm

Where It’s At: Perched on top of a hill in Zemun, about 20 by car from downtown Belgrade.

If you're a history buff with a taste for breathtaking views, Gardoš Tower in Zemun is the place to be. Perched atop a hill, this 1896 relic serves up perhaps the most beautiful view in Belgrade. From its lookout, the mighty Danube River snakes through the landscape, reflecting the golden hues of the sky. 

To one side, you’ve got Zemun’s charming red-roofed houses clustered like something out of a fairytale, while on the other, the sprawling city of Belgrade unfolds in the distance. On clear days, you can see all the way to the horizon, where the river and the sky blend seamlessly, creating a view you won’t forget.

The catch? Parking is a nightmare. Narrow streets, pedestrians everywhere. You’re better off grabbing a taxi and letting someone else deal with the hassle. But once you get to the top, the view will take your breath away. Old-world charm, combined with modern panoramic vistas—it’s the perfect blend.

How to Get There: Take a taxi. Just forget about driving.

Key – Museum of Contemporary Art: The Hidden Gem for a Stunning View

Where It’s At: In front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, just across the river from downtown Belgrad, around a 10-minute ride by car.

Key offers an unobstructed view that feels like you’ve found a secret corner of the city. This is the kind of spot you wouldn’t stumble upon unless you were really looking.

Key follows the river all along the way from Branko Bridge and bending near the Museum of Contemporary Art, and from this vantage point, you’ll catch some of the best panoramic sights in Belgrade. The vibe here? Low-key, chill, with just enough energy to keep you in the moment. And the view? Next-level!

From here, the Sava River glides smoothly under your gaze, splitting old Belgrade from New. Kalemegdan Fortress looms on one side like a stone titan, with the Ada Bridge cutting a sleek, modern silhouette on the horizon. Old Belgrade buildings pop up discreetly, and, if you look closely, the dome of Saint Sava peeks through in the distance.

Honestly, it’s got everything: nature, history, and modern city life all wrapped up in one killer view.

How to Get There: Ride by car, or hop on one of the trams or buses heading across Branko’s Bridge to Ušće Shopping Mall. If you’re walking from Kalemegdan, it’s just a scenic stroll along the river after passing over the Branko bridge. Parking? Relatively Easy.

The Three Bridges of Belgrade: Ada, Gazela, and Brankov – Free Views, No Regrets

Where They’re At: Scattered across the Sava River, these three iconic bridges connect old Belgrade to the newer, edgier side of the city. Easily reached by foot, bus, or car, they offer some of the best free views in town—all with pedestrian walkways so you can stroll, take it all in, and feel like a part of the city’s pulse.

Now, let’s talk bridges—Belgrade’s trio of concrete and steel giants that span the Sava River, giving you not just a way across, but a reason to pause and admire. First up, Ada Bridge. This beast is modern, slick, and unmistakable, with its towering cables fanning out like some mechanical spider, grabbing the sky. Walking across it feels like stepping into the future, and the view? Forget about it. On one side, you’ve got the Ada Ciganlija island—Belgrade’s favorite summer hangout—while the skyline of New Belgrade stretches out on the other like a concrete playground. On the other side, you have a wonderful view of the Old Belgrade World Fair and the new Belgrade waterfront!

Something worth knowing: Did you know that Ada Bridge is the world’s largest one pilon bridge?

Then there’s Gazela Bridge, the workhorse of the bunch. It’s all about function here—cars zoom past like they’re in a race to nowhere—but walking on this bridge is a different story. You’re above the chaos, looking down at the river and the city’s sprawling madness. The traffic becomes background noise as you watch the boats drift by, and suddenly, the rush of city life seems like something distant. It’s not the flashiest, but it gives you that raw, unfiltered Belgrade energy with 360 views.

Finally, the classic: Brankov Bridge. This one’s a true Belgrade icon, linking the old-world charm of downtown to the brutalist beauty of New Belgrade. Walking along its pedestrian path, the view is pure magic. Kalemegdan Fortress rises proudly from the cliffs, and below you, the rivers meet like two old friends. In the distance, you can see the rest of the city unfold—a mix of red-roofed houses, glass towers, and, of course, the imposing dome of Saint Sava.

How to Get There: All three bridges are a walk away from downtown or a short ride by bus or tram. Whether you’re headed for a stroll, a jog, or just to stop and marvel at the city, the views are free, and the experience is priceless. Please do note that unlike the Brankov Bridge, both the Ada and the Gazela bridges are relatively long and will likely take up to half an hour to cross -roundtrip on foot.

Kalemegdan – The Victor Monument: The Classic View Everyone Comes For

Where It’s At: Last but not least, this is one of the best Belgrade viewpoints, tanding tall at the edge of Kalemegdan Fortress, looking out over the Sava and Danube rivers, the Victor Monument is an easy 10-minute walk from downtown Belgrade. 

Let’s be real, this is the most iconic view in Belgrade, the one plastered across postcards and Instagram feeds. 

The Victor stands there, bronze and stoic, staring down the rivers like he owns the place—and honestly, he kind of does. This is the place every tourist comes to snap a picture, but you know what? Even with the crowds, it still delivers. It’s not just hype.

From up here, you’ve got the Sava and Danube rivers merging in front of you, a sight that never gets old. Kalemegdan Fortress sprawls behind you like a scene from another century, while New Belgrade, all sharp angles and modern towers, looms in the distance. The contrast between old and new is so vivid that it almost feels unreal—like someone photoshopped two different cities together. 

And when the sun sets, casting that golden light over the water and rooftops, you can’t help but feel a little awestruck, no matter how many selfies are being taken around you.

How to Get There: It’s a quick walk from the city center to Kalemegdan. Once you’re there, follow the crowds—they’re all heading for this view.

Takeaways

Belgrade is more than Kalemegdan Fortress and Republic Square. The real magic lies in the hidden corners, the spots tourists miss. These panoramic views offer a glimpse of the city from all angles—mountain peaks, romantic views, and historic towers. Explore, wander, get lost, and take those killer photos that’ll make you stand out from the average tourist.

Whether you’re looking for cool things to do in Belgrade, checking out rooftop bars in Belgrade with a view, or hunting for the best viewpoints in Belgrade, these spots will have you covered.