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 a relatively safe European capital with low violent crime against visitors. The US State Department rates Serbia Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of crime and organised-crime violence and political demonstrations. Petty theft, taxi overcharging and nightlife overcharging are the most common problems, and standard city precautions make for a trouble-free visit.
Current safety advisory
Low-Medium
Last updated: 2026-08-27
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Belgrade is generally safe for visitors and violent crime against tourists is rare; the main risks are pickpocketing and bag theft in crowded places (Knez Mihailova, Republic Square, Kalemegdan, Zeleni Venac market, the Slavija area and on packed trams and buses), inflated taxi fares and overcharging in some nightlife venues
Emergency numbers: 112 (general emergency, works with any phone), 192 (police), 193 (fire brigade), 194 (ambulance). Dial from a mobile with the number alone; staff at 112 can usually handle English
Foreign visitors must be registered with the police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels and hostels do this automatically; if staying in a private apartment, ask the host to register you and keep the confirmation slip with your passport
Carry a photocopy or phone photo of the passport and keep the original in the hotel safe; police may ask foreigners for identification
Avoid political demonstrations, which have been frequent in Belgrade since late 2024 (around Republic Square, the Slavija roundabout, Nemanjina street and government buildings); they are usually peaceful but can cause road closures and occasional clashes. Check the US Embassy and your own government's alerts
Use ride-hailing apps (CarGo, Yandex Go, Bolt) or taxis booked by phone rather than hailing cars at the airport, bus station or train station; insist that the meter is switched on
Be careful in nightlife areas (Skadarlija, Savamala, the river-barge splavovi): check the printed menu and prices before ordering, avoid following street promoters into bars, and watch your drink
Stray dogs are common on the edges of the city and in parks; do not approach or feed them, and seek medical care for any bite
Summer heat can exceed 35 C (95 F) in July and August, and the cold, dry, gusty kosava wind blows in autumn and winter; dress for the conditions and drink water
Swim only in supervised areas at Ada Ciganlija lake (lifeguards in summer); swimming in the Sava or Danube is hazardous because of currents and boat traffic
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging and unmetered fares
Unofficial drivers at Nikola Tesla Airport, the main bus station and train stations may quote a high flat fare, switch off the meter or take a long route
How to avoid: Order through CarGo, Yandex Go or Bolt, or call a licensed company (for example Pink Taxi 19803, Beotaksi 1970, Beogradski 19801); pay only the metered fare and note the plate number. The Belgrade taxi complaints line is +381 11 3227-000
Overpriced bars and 'special' drinks
Some bars and clubs in Savamala, Skadarlija and central Belgrade, often reached through street promoters, add steep prices, forced minimum spends or surprise charges to the bill
How to avoid: Read the menu and prices before ordering, avoid promoters who steer you into unknown venues, ask for an itemised bill, and pay by card at the table so the card does not leave your sight
Currency exchange tricks
Street changers and a few exchange kiosks advertise one rate and apply another, or hand over fewer notes
How to avoid: Only use licensed exchange offices (menjacnica) or bank ATMs, check the rate board and ask about commission before handing money over, and count the money at the counter
Pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport
Pickpockets work crowded trams and buses, Knez Mihailova, the Zeleni Venac market and the Republic Square area
How to avoid: Keep bags zipped and worn across the front of the body, keep the phone in an inside pocket, and stay alert when boarding and leaving full vehicles
Unlicensed guides and 'friendly' strangers
Occasionally someone approaches tourists near Kalemegdan or Republic Square offering to guide them, take them to a bar or sell tickets at inflated prices
How to avoid: Politely decline; buy tickets only at official counters or from venue websites, and use the Tourist Information Centre at Knez Mihailova 56 for maps and guided-walk bookings
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccines (measles, tetanus, hepatitis A) should be up to date; ticks are active in woodland areas (Avala, Fruska Gora), so check for ticks after hikes
- Water
- Belgrade tap water is safe to drink and is available from public fountains in parks such as Kalemegdan
- Food
- Restaurants, bakeries and markets are generally safe; eat hot grilled meat and fresh dairy from reputable vendors, and wash fruit from markets before eating
- Facilities
- Belgrade has the best medical facilities in Serbia: the Emergency Center (Urgentni centar) of the Clinical Center of Serbia at Pasterova 2 is the main public emergency hospital; the Institute for Emergency Medical Aid (Hitna pomoc) is at Franse d'Eperea 5. Many private clinics treat foreign visitors for cash. Pharmacies (apoteka) display a green cross; the Apoteka Beograd chain runs 24-hour branches (look for 'dezurna apoteka'). Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travellers find Belgrade easy and friendly, with an active hostel and bar scene and locals who often help visitors. Use ride-hailing apps at night, avoid empty riverbank paths after dark, keep your phone and wallet in inside pockets on crowded trams and in markets, and keep a copy of your passport and registration slip.
Female travellers
Women travelling alone report few serious problems. Expect occasional staring or catcalling; do not leave drinks unattended, take app-booked rides at night and stay in busy, well-lit areas of Stari Grad, Vracar and Dorcol.
Families
Belgrade is family friendly. Watch children near fast traffic and on tram lines, keep them out of the Sava and Danube, use the lifeguarded lake beaches at Ada Ciganlija, and carry water and sun protection in summer. Public toilets are limited, so use cafe facilities.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex activity is legal and anti-discrimination laws exist, but social attitudes are conservative. Avoid public displays of affection except in welcoming venues, follow Belgrade Pride's official channels for event security, and report hate incidents to the police on 192.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 192
- Medical
- 194 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 193
- Coast Guard
- 112 (river and lake rescue is handled through the general emergency number; there is no sea coast)
- General Emergency
- 112 (works from all phones, even without a SIM)
- Main Hospital
- Urgentni centar, Klinicki centar Srbije, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Belgrade: Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica 92, 11040 Belgrade; +381 11 706 4000 (also the after-hours emergency line)
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Belgrade: Resavska 46, 11000 Belgrade; consular contact details at gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-belgrade