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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rakija (Šljivovica)
Serbian fruit brandy, most famously made from plums; buy sealed bottles from markets or reputable shops and check for a producer label
Price: 800-3,000 RSD (~$8-30) per half-litre bottle
Where: Kalenić Market, Skadarlija shops, Knez Mihailova
Ajvar
Roasted red pepper and eggplant spread sold in jars; mild and hot versions
Price: 400-900 RSD (~$4-9) per jar
Where: Kalenić Market, Zeleni Venac Market, supermarkets
Kajmak
Fresh clotted cream; buy sealed and refrigerated if flying home within a few days (check airline and customs rules)
Price: 500-1,000 RSD (~$5-10) per 250 g
Where: Kalenić Market, Zeleni Venac Market
Serbian honey and dried peppers
Local honey and dried red peppers for cooking
Price: 600-1,500 RSD (~$6-15) per jar
Where: Kalenić Market, Zemun Market
Traditional embroidery and lace
Embroidered tablecloths and lace pieces with Serbian folk patterns
Price: 800-4,000 RSD (~$8-40)
Where: Kalemegdan stalls, Skadarlija stalls, Ethnographic Museum Shop
Šajkača hat
Traditional Serbian cap with a V-shaped top, sold in many sizes
Price: 1,500-3,500 RSD (~$15-35)
Where: Knez Mihailova souvenir shops, Belgrade Window
Pirot kilim and woven textiles
Woven wool rugs and textiles with geometric patterns from south-eastern Serbia
Price: 3,000-20,000 RSD (~$30-200)
Where: Ethnographic Museum Shop, craft galleries
Belgrade-themed books and prints
Illustrated books, maps and prints of the city
Price: 600-3,000 RSD (~$6-30)
Where: Belgrade Window, Knez Mihailova bookshops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kalenić Market (Kalenić pijaca)
Belgrade's best-known produce market near Saint Sava, good for fruit, honey, cheese and kajmak. Prices are usually marked; cash in dinar is the norm. Going before noon gives the best selection. A reconstruction of the market has been announced, so check the layout on arrival.
Where: Vračar, near the Church of Saint Sava
Hours: Daily 6:00-19:00 (listing; confirm)
Zeleni Venac Market
A busy central market and transport hub a short walk from Knez Mihailova, selling fruit and vegetables, cheese and cured meats. Useful for a picnic or souvenir food on the way to the bus stops.
Where: Stari Grad, next to Zeleni venac bus hub
Hours: Typically morning to late afternoon daily (confirm)
Bajloni (Skadarlija) Market
One of the larger downtown markets, set among turn-of-the-century merchant houses just below Skadarlija. Four sections cover produce, dairy and general goods.
Where: Dorćol, below Skadarlija
Hours: Typically early morning to mid-afternoon (confirm)
Zemun Market (Zemunska pijaca)
The main market of Zemun, a short walk from the Danube quay and Gardoš hill. Combine it with a fish lunch on the Kej oslobođenja.
Where: Zemun old town
Hours: Typically morning to mid-afternoon; busiest on Saturday (confirm)
Knez Mihailova Street
Belgrade's pedestrian main street running from Republic Square to the Kalemegdan fortress, lined with international chains, department stores, bookshops and souvenir shops. Street sellers near the tourist stretch charge visitors more; compare prices before buying.
Where: Stari Grad, from Republic Square to Kalemegdan
Hours: Shops generally Mon-Sat 9:00-22:00, Sun 10:00-18:00 (varies by shop)
Belgrade Window (Beogradski izlog)
A shop on Knez Mihailova with a good selection of Belgrade-themed souvenirs and books, easier to browse than street stalls.
Where: Stari Grad, Knez Mihailova
Hours: Typically Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 (confirm)
Ethnographic Museum Shop
The Ethnographic Museum shop on Studentski trg stocks locally produced folk crafts, textiles and gifts, with fixed prices.
Where: Stari Grad, Studentski trg
Hours: Museum hours typically Tue-Sun (confirm; closed Mondays)
Skadarlija Craft Stalls
Small galleries and stalls along the cobbled street sell paintings, embroidery, ceramics and rakija bottles. Prices are not always posted; ask before picking items up and compare with Knez Mihailova.
Where: Skadarlija, Stari Grad
Hours: Typically daytime to early evening, more active in summer
Kalemegdan Handicraft Stalls
Street stalls around the Kalemegdan approaches sell traditional Serbian glass, lace and wood crafts. Quality is uneven; look for handmade finish and negotiate politely.
Where: Kalemegdan fortress approaches
Hours: Typically daytime in fine weather
Ušće Shopping Center
Large shopping mall with about 150 stores, a multiplex cinema, bowling and restaurants. Reached by tram or bus from the old town or by taxi.
Where: Novi Beograd, at the Sava-Danube confluence
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00 (listing; confirm)
Delta City
One of Belgrade's largest malls, with international fashion brands and a food court. Trams 7, 9 and 11 and bus 95 stop at Agostina Neta.
Where: Novi Beograd, Block 67
Hours: Daily 9:00-22:00; Sun 9:00-20:00 (listing; confirm)