Belgrade
Unquestionably the Balkans most dynamic city.
Serbia's largest city and former capital of Yugoslavia.
The city lies at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers and is famed for its rich history and vibrant nightlife. Post-Yugoslavia, Belgrade has emerged as a captivating regional hub in the heart of the Balkans.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, along with Tirana. Would highly recommend it as a destination for work or for a city break.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, along with Tirana. Would highly recommend it as a destination for work or for a city break.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, along with Tirana. Would highly recommend it as a destination for work or for a city break.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, along with Tirana. Would highly recommend it as a destination for work or for a city break.
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Summary
I visited Belgrade as part of a tour of the Balkans in the first half 2021 with Belgrade being the undisputed highlight of the trip.
Accommodation
A reasonable range of apartments is available across Airbnb, but the influx of people to the city as a result of the war in Ukraine may have reduced the supply somewhat.
Places to work
A solid selection of dedicated coworking offices throughout the city, as well as numerous coffee shops suitable to work from.
Value
Belgrade remains great value compared to most other major European cities yet is more on the expensive side compared to other neighbours in the Balkans.
Working hours
Serbia operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with the rest of Western Europe
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
To minimise the amount you'd need to take public transport, I'd recommend being close to one of the two areas mentioned below.
Stari Grad
Dorcol
New Belgrade
Where to work
ICT Hub Kralja Milana
One of my favourite destinations of the past couple of years to work from. High ceilinged open plan seating, plenty of natural light and generous desk spaces. There are plenty of phone boots for private calls and areas with beanbags and sofas to relax from. Monitors are available to rent also. The surrounding area of Devojački park provides plenty of greenery and a calm area to unwind during the day.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the office is easily reachable via public transport and there are a number of great food and coffee options easily reachable on foot.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
While Serbia's digital nomad visa is still in development, the country welcomes remote workers. Those earning $3,500 or more per month can apply for an extended stay visa.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Ada Ciganlija Lake
Often referred to as "Belgrade's Sea," Ada Ciganlija Lake is a large green recreational hub in the heart of the city. Feautirng sandy beaches, lush parklands, and a wealth of water sports activities. Ideal for escaping the heat in the city during the summer months with bars and restaurants along it's easterly bank.
Spend a morning at Zemun Market
Lively market with a wide range of fresh local produce on offer during the weekend, around an hours walk along the Danube from Brankov Most.
Visit Belgrade Fortress
This large site features the remnants of an ancient walled city, the Belgrade Zoo, museums, and other archaeological sites. Fantastic panoramic views are offered of the confluence of the two rivers.
Duration & season
I arrived in early May and experienced some of the best spring time weather I can recall. All around the city I found the most distinct aroma of Cherry Blossom with the heat of full summer arriving by the end of the month.
I could fully recommend a month in Belgrade with more than enough to do both in the city and outside it to comfortably fill several weekends.
Food & drink
People
Belgrade felt like it had the most international demographic of any of the Balkan cities which I visited, with a noticeably number of North Americans. The city acts as something of a regional hub, with the coworking spaces populated with neighbours from Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
I found the Serbian people to be nothing but warm and welcoming, often showing incredible forms of generosity. One evening an elderly gentleman insisted on paying for my dinner, on the only condition that I shared a glass of Rakia with him afterwards, an offer I all too gladly accepted.
Most of the younger generation speaks English fluently, while it's less prevalent among the older population.
Exercise
Loop around the Sava river
Belgrade -> Pancevo
Belgrade Marathon
Verdict
Positives
- A large bustling city making it a great place to work from.Compared to other neighbouring Balkan destinations, Belgrade felt like a busy working destination.
- Great local cuisine.Some of the best local food I had in the region, with international options also available.
- A great place to explore on foot.Some places are just interesting places to walk around, Belgrade is certainly one of them.
- The spring time Cherry Blossom.One of the most distinct and vivd memories still to this day from the trip.
- Friendly and warm people.I don't believe I'd met a Serbian in my life up until this trip and they showed remarkable warmth and generosity.
- Outside of the Schengen Zone.If for whatever reason you have reached your limit of time available within the Schengen group of countries, Serbia is an alternative.
Negatives
- Outside of the EU.This has it's strengths and benefits, but there are large import taxes on certain items making some items particularly prohibitive. If for whatever reason you need high end electronics, you are best off purchasing elsewhere and then reentering.
Tips
- Be careful if intending to enter Serbia from Kosovo.To avoid any complications in arrival and departure dates, you are best advised to enter and leave Serbia through their border control.
- If looking for nightlife, head to the Splavs.These barge boats line the Sava river, with clubs open until the morning.
- You will be offered Rakia! An incredibly popular, strong alcoholic spirit. Families often produce their own with much pride.
- The UŠĆE Shopping Center is great. If you need to pick up any items, I would suggest heading here.
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