Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia, set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Known for the Kalemegdan Fortress, the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, the Temple of Saint Sava and a lively splavovi (river barge) nightlife, it blends Ottoman, Habsburg and Yugoslav layers into one of the Balkans' most energetic cities.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Belgrade Zoo (Beo Zoo Vrt), Kalemegdan
Compact zoo inside Kalemegdan Park, opened in 1936, with around 200 species including white lions, a reptile house and an alligator, plus a petting area with domestic animals such as alpacas, rabbits and pygmy goats. A new children's zoo area has been added in recent years. Shaded paths make it suitable for toddlers and pushchairs.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ada Ciganlija lake and beach
A river island turned into Belgrade's lakeside resort, with about 7 km of gravel beach on Lake Sava, a fenced children's swimming area, a Magical Forest play area with fairytale figures, a children's theatre and an 8 km lake path for walking and cycling. Easy to reach by free city bus or tram 12/13.
Duration: Half day to full day
Nikola Tesla Museum
Small museum in a 1927 villa at Krunska 51 where the guide demonstrates Tesla's inventions, including the Tesla coil, wireless light and a spark show, with children invited to take part. The visit is by guided tour only, so book or check the tour schedule at tesla-museum.org.
Duration: 1 hour
Museum of Illusions Belgrade
Hands-on museum at Nusiceva 11 in central Belgrade with optical illusions, a tilted room, a mirror infinity room and photo set-ups that children and teenagers enjoy in any weather.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Kalemegdan Fortress and Military Museum
Children love the outdoor park of tanks, cannons and aircraft, the stone gates, walls and views over the Sava-Danube confluence, plus playgrounds and a small amusement area. A tourist train runs through the park in season.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Belgrade Planetarium (Lower Town of the Fortress)
Planetarium housed in a restored 19th-century Ottoman bath building in the Lower Town of Belgrade Fortress, with sky projections and lectures aimed at school-aged children and families.
Duration: 1 hour
Museum of Science and Technology, Dorcol
Science and technology museum in a former power station at Skenderbegova 51 in Dorcol, with hands-on and historical exhibits suited to curious older children and teenagers.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Topcider Park and horse-drawn carriage ride
Large green park with old trees, playgrounds, Prince Milos's residence area, space to run, and horse-drawn carriage rides for younger children.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hyatt Regency Belgrade
Large modern hotel at Milentija Popovica 5 in New Belgrade, next to the Sava Centar and the riverside, with spacious rooms and easy free-bus connections into the old town
Family features: Family rooms and interconnecting rooms on request; confirm cots and pool access when booking
Crowne Plaza Belgrade
Large hotel at Vladimira Popovica 10 in New Belgrade near shopping and the Sava, convenient for long stays
Family features: Family rooms and breakfast buffet; confirm facilities and extra beds at booking
Hotel Moskva
Historic landmark hotel at Balkanska 1 on Terazije in the old centre, within walking distance of Knez Mihailova and Kalemegdan
Family features: Central location, cafe terrace and pastry shop; request a family or connecting room in advance
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most restaurants welcome children and offer simple dishes such as grilled chicken, cevapi, pancakes (palacinke), soups and pasta; ask for a smaller portion (mala porcija)
Pekara (bakery) pastries and burek with yogurt are cheap, quick breakfast options (250-500 RSD, ~$2.50-5)
Ice cream shops and cafes along Knez Mihailova and the quays are plentiful; many restaurants have outdoor tables where children can move
Many Belgrade cafes have play corners or garden playgrounds; ask the server
Tap water is safe, so bring a refillable bottle for children and refill it at park fountains
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Public transport is free for everyone, including children, which makes moving a family around the city very cheap
Pavements can be uneven and trams have steps, so a light, foldable stroller is more practical than a large one
Public toilets are limited; use cafes and museum facilities, and carry wipes
Pharmacies (apoteka) sell paediatric medicine; Apoteka Beograd has 24-hour branches
Summer heat above 35 C is common in July and August; plan the zoo and fortress for the morning and swimming at Ada Ciganlija for the afternoon
Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 194 (ambulance), 192 (police); the Emergency Center (Urgentni centar) is at Pasterova 2