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.
Belgrade is known across Europe for a late-starting, high-energy nightlife that runs from candle-lit kafanas in Skadarlija to techno in a former slaughterhouse and, in summer, floating river clubs known as splavovi on the Sava and Danube. Cocktail bars cluster around Dorćol and Stari Grad, live jazz and creative venues sit in Savamala under Branko's Bridge, and big clubs wake after midnight.
Nights start late: dinner until about 10PM, bars from 10PM, clubs after midnight with a peak around 2-4AM. Savamala hosts jazz and alternative DJ sets, Skadarlija offers kafana evenings, and large clubs enforce dress codes at the door.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Bars 10PM-1AM; clubs 1AM-5AM; splavovi 12AM-6AM in summer
- Average drink
- Beer 300-700 RSD (~$3-7); cocktails 800-1,300 RSD (~$8-13)
- Dress code
- Smart casual at upscale clubs such as Hype (no sneakers, shorts or sportswear); relaxed at bars and kafanas
- Cover charge
- Venue hours change with the season and with event schedules; confirm on each venue's social media or website before heading out.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Savamala and Karađorđeva street
A former industrial district on the Sava with converted warehouses, a cultural centre, jazz in a bar under Branko's Bridge and several clubs along Karađorđeva street.
Best for: jazz, DJ nights and late-night club hopping
Skadarlija
The cobbled kafana quarter, where live folk music, grilled meat and rakija dominate the evening and balcony cocktail bars add a modern touch.
Best for: a first night out and traditional Serbian atmosphere
Dorćol and Kralja Petra
Cocktail bars, garden cafes and craft beer spots on Kralja Petra street and around Gospodar Jevremova.
Best for: cocktails and conversation
Savski Kej and Dorćol Port splavovi
River barges moored on the Sava and Danube that operate as clubs in the warm season, roughly June to September, with the busiest hours after midnight.
Best for: summer club nights; confirm each barge's opening dates before going
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Jazz Bašta
Known for: Live jazz and cocktails reached by the Male Stepenice stairs
Karađorđeva 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Bar Central
Known for: Classic and off-menu cocktails
Kralja Petra 59, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Samo Pivo
Known for: 24 taps of Serbian craft beer and an upstairs terrace
Balkanska 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Red Bar
Known for: Cocktails on a first-floor balcony over Skadarlija
Skadarska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Gunners Pub
Known for: Beer on tap, bottled beers and classic rock
Braće Jugovića 2a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Mama Shelter Rooftop
Known for: Rooftop views over the city centre with games and cocktails
Kneza Mihaila 54A, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Blaznavac
Known for: Courtyard garden bar with cocktails and sharing plates
Kneginje Ljubice 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Drugstore
Cover: Entry about 1,200-2,300 RSD (~$12-23) depending on the event
Hours: Event nights; peak 2AM-4AM, doors open until about 6AM
Hype
Cover: Cover about 1,200-2,900 RSD (~$12-29)
Hours: Wed-Sat about 11PM-3AM (confirm before going)
20/44
Cover: Entry varies by event
Hours: Late nights; hours change by season (confirm before going)
KC Grad
Cover: Free to event-dependent entry
Hours: Opens around noon; evening hours follow the programme at kcgrad.rs
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Nothing meaningful happens in the clubs before 12:30AM; start with dinner and a bar
Reserve tables on Friday and Saturday through the venue's social media or phone
Face control at upscale clubs: avoid sneakers, shorts and sportswear
Use the CarGo taxi app after dark; fares are shown before the ride starts
Carry dinars and a photo ID or passport copy for age checks
Check opening dates for river splavovi, which are closed in winter