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Sometimes, all you need is a quick weekend escape to recharge. On a Friday afternoon in February, I left work, grabbed a quick lunch, and headed to the airport for a spontaneous trip to Belgrade, Serbia. By late afternoon, I was touching down in a country that completely exceeded my expectations.

Arrival and First Impressions

Renting a car at the airport was straightforward, but the 30 minute drive into the city center in the dark and rain was definitely an adventure. Traffic rules felt more like polite suggestions, and navigating the busy streets kept me on my toes. I safely parked in a central garage and headed to my accommodation.

I stayed at the Balkan Soul Hostel, which was a massive positive surprise. For an incredibly affordable price, it offered a warm welcome, great facilities, and a highly social atmosphere. It is the perfect place to connect with other travelers. Within hours, I was chatting with a diverse group of people in the kitchen, including an American named Avery and an Englishman who actually holds a world record for rowing from Australia to Africa in just over 70 days.

A Taste of Bohemian Belgrade

That evening, a few of us from the hostel decided to explore the local cuisine. We went to Tri Sesira, a famous restaurant in the bohemian Skadarlija quarter. The atmosphere was incredible. There were four live bands playing traditional music simultaneously across the restaurant. The food was fantastic, the waiters were wonderfully authentic, and the value for money was absolutely unbeatable.

A Road Trip to the Iron Gates

Saturday started early. Avery and I took the rental car and drove out of the city toward the Golubac Fortress. The drive gave us a real taste of the countryside. The roads were a bit bumpy, which reminded me of previous trips through Romania.

The destination was entirely worth it. Built in the 14th century, the Golubac Fortress is a magnificent stone structure that clings to the cliffs right where the Danube River is at its widest. Historically, it acted as the guardian of the Iron Gates gorge and was a highly strategic stronghold that passed between the Hungarians, Serbs, and the Ottoman Empire. Exploring the ruins for a couple of hours was a major highlight of the trip.

On the way back, we stopped in Pozarevac for lunch. I ordered a traditional Serbian minced meat dish with fries and delicious flatbread. Avery decided to be a bit more adventurous and ordered breaded cow organs. I tried a piece thinking it was a standard schnitzel, let us just say it was an acquired taste!

Shopping and Exploring the City

After returning the rental car flawlessly at the airport, we took the public bus back to the city center, which surprisingly turned out to be completely free. I spent the rest of the late afternoon and evening exploring a local mall to do some shopping and simply enjoying the vibrant evening atmosphere of central Belgrade.

Sunday Morning Monuments

I dedicated my final morning to exploring Belgrade’s most famous landmarks. I woke up early and walked to the Church of Saint Sava. It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, built on the Vracar plateau to mark the exact location where the remains of Saint Sava were burned in 1595. While the massive exterior is striking, the intricate, golden interior is simply breathtaking.

Next, I headed over to the Belgrade Fortress, also known as Kalemegdan. Overlooking the confluence of the River Sava and the Danube, this massive fortress is the historic core of the city. It has been destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times throughout its history, bearing the architectural marks of the Romans, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. I spent an hour wandering the expansive grounds and taking in the peaceful river views before it was time to grab my backpack and head to the airport.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, it was a fantastic, action-packed weekend. Serbia is an excellent destination if you just need a break from everyday life and want to experience a different culture. Between the affordable flights, incredible food, rich history, and great hospitality, it is the perfect spot for a budget-friendly and culturally enriching weekend escape.