Best Restaurants Near Nikola Tesla Airport — Eat Like a Local

Belgrade guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arrival in Belgrade: Food and Neighborhoods to Explore

From Nikola Tesla Airport to Downtown Belgrade

After landing at Nikola Tesla Airport, you can grab a quick bite at the airport's restaurant, "Kod Konduktera", which serves traditional Serbian dishes. However, for a more authentic experience, consider taking a short taxi ride or bus (line 72) to the city center.

The journey takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 1,500-2,000 RSD (Serbian dinars). Be sure to have some local currency or a credit card for the fare.

When you arrive in the city center, you'll find yourself in the heart of Belgrade's vibrant neighborhoods. To get your bearings, start by exploring the nearby streets and alleys of:

• Kalemegdan Fortress, a medieval citadel with stunning views of the Danube and Sava rivers.
• Knez Mihailova, a pedestrian shopping street lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Vračar, a charming neighborhood with a mix of old and new architecture.

Eating and Drinking in Belgrade

Traditional Serbian Cuisine

Belgrade is renowned for its delicious and hearty traditional Serbian cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as:

• Ćevapi (minced meat sausages) - a classic Serbian dish that's often served with flatbread and onions.
• Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) - a traditional dish made with ground meat and rice, served with a side of mashed potatoes.

Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include:

• Tri Šešira, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Serbian cuisine.
• Šarbanov, a restaurant offering a modern take on traditional Serbian dishes.
• Škola, a trendy restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.

Neighborhoods to Explore

The Waterfront and Novi Beograd

Belgrade's waterfront area, also known as the Sava and Danube riverside, offers stunning views and a lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along the river promenade and visit:

• The Belgrade Waterfront, a modern complex with shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
• The Sava Promenade, a scenic pedestrian walkway with great views of the Sava river.
• Novi Beograd, a modern neighborhood with a mix of high-rise buildings and parks.

What to Avoid

Scams and Safety Concerns

As with any major city, there are some areas to avoid in Belgrade. Be cautious of pickpocketing and scams in crowded areas, such as:

• The train station, where pickpocketing is common.
• The pedestrian shopping street, Knez Mihailova, which can get crowded and chaotic.

Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas at night.

Getting Around Belgrade

Public Transportation and Taxi Rides

Belgrade has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can also take a taxi ride, but be sure to use a reputable company and agree on the fare beforehand.

Some popular public transportation routes include:

• Line 72, which connects the airport to the city center.
• Line 31, which runs along the Sava river and offers great views.

When using public transportation, be sure to buy a ticket or use a prepaid card, as fines for not paying can be steep.

Final Tips and Recommendations

Before you head out to explore Belgrade, be sure to:

• Exchange some currency for Serbian dinars, as not all places accept credit or debit cards.
• Download a local SIM card or purchase a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for data access.
• Learn some basic Serbian phrases, such as "Hvala" (thank you) and "Koliko košta?" (how much does it cost?).

And don't forget to try some of the local food and drinks, such as rakia (a strong fruit brandy) or slivovitz (a plum brandy). When exchanging currency, consider using the Portability App for a convenient and hassle-free experience.