I have spent a considerable time in the Balkans over the past few years. These big cities can feel like dated concrete jungles. But within those jungles are gems, places the locals know about, hideaway spots that are full of bohemian flare. Walking around to discover these takes time and can be exhausting. But once you stumble onto them, they light up the city like a beacon. Here are the best hidden gems in Belgrade Serbia that I hope you will enjoy as much as I have.
Silosi
Hands down the coolest place is Silosi. Readers know how much I love a repurposed industrial area and that is exactly what this is. During the Yugoslav era, these massive concrete grain silos were constructed along the banks of the Danube. Barges travelled down the river to load up grain and distribute it through Europe. Railway cars brought the grain to the silos from the fields.
There are 64 cells in total and each one is 28 metres tall. The site fell into disuse in the 1990’s and sat abandoned ever since. That is until Silosi was imagined and a hip space was created. Today some of the silos are filled with galleries and art space. If one is open, walk inside and see what the interior of these massive silos looks like. Its so cool.
Silosi Street Art
The exteriors are home to a new street art scene. Several of these huge towers have seen artists come and create their unique masterpieces adding a blast of colour. There are smaller pieces too, littered around the site. Can you imagine that two of the silos have been transformed into a climbing wall.
But the best feature I think is the huge bar that covers the river side space with a sprawling array of seating options. Everything from picnic tables to Turkish rugs and pillows and the most scenic, the sling back chairs at the edge of the Danube. The day I walked here I couldn’t resist an iced cold local beer and fizzy water while relaxing in style in the sunshine. There is even a vegan/vegetarian restaurant on site if you are feeling peckish.
Skadarlija
This is a neighbourhood in the Old Town part of Belgrade. What began in the 1830’s as a small district outside of the city walls, eventually grew into this artistic hub. Poets, painters and musicians established themselves in the area. Think real cobblestone streets (really quite difficult to walk on), romantic yet understated buildings, sidewalk cafés and bars.
Walking around there is a quiet and friendly vibe, cats roam, people pause to sit and enjoy a beverage. At night the taverns open up and it’s the perfect setting for a glass of wine. Streets are lined with trees; there are little pops of street art and one truly grand piece. I think if I ever return to Belgrade, this might be the area of town I would look for an Airbnb. Its close to Republic Square and an easy, yet hilly walk into the other areas of the downtown.
Kneza Mihaila (Knez Mihailova)
The pedestrian only walking zone in downtown Belgrade is this one. Historically this street dates from Roman times, two thousand years ago when it was a thoroughfare for that ancient settlement. Today Kneza Mihaila is the hub of Belgrade, the best shopping district and the place to see some extraordinary architecture and mansions.
But what I really want to highlight is a small street that is tucked behind it called Obilicev Venac (link here). This gorgeous old area is filled with tall deciduous shade trees and both sides are lined with the cutest café’s, restaurants and bars. Here visitors will find traditional eateries featuring delicious Serbian dishes, or trendy ones providing more western fare. There is something for everyone. Once you have had a nibble, listened to some jazz and enjoyed a beverage, hop back over to Kneza Mihaila for a stroll down the prettiest street in Belgrade.
I wasn’t sure about Belgrade when I first arrived. Its such a huge city, and I am situated so far out from the core. But with free transportation it has been easy and efficient to head into the old town when ever I want. Exploring these streets, seeing the statuary, fountains and historical architecture is such a pleasure. But the one place I will always remember is Silosi.
