2h 30m
driving time from Timișoara to Belgrade via the E70
3h 30m
bus journey from Timișoara's Autogara to Belgrade
2
full days needed for this weekend route
€60
typical mid-range double room per night in Belgrade
Day one
Crossing the border and first look at Belgrade
Leave Timișoara early to avoid queues at the border. The drive on the E70 is straightforward, but allow extra time for the crossing at SRB–HUN border. Once in Belgrade, drop your bags and head straight into the city centre for an orientation walk. The evening is for the Danube and Skadarlija.
07:00
Depart Timișoara
Take the E70 towards Stamora Moravița. Fill up with fuel in Romania — it's cheaper. Have your passport and vehicle documents ready for the border.
Free
08:30
Border crossing at Srpska Crnja
This is the main road border between Romania and Serbia. Queues can be long on Fridays. Once through, you're on Serbian time (one hour behind Romania).
Free
11:00
Arrive Belgrade, check in
Parking is tricky in the centre; choose a hotel with garage or use a public garage like Obilićev Venac. Drop bags and freshen up.
€10–20 per day parking
13:00
Lunch in Skadarlija
This cobbled bohemian street is full of traditional kafanas. Try Karađorđeva schnitzel or grilled meat at Tri Šešira. Expect live music in the evening.
1200–2000 RSD
15:00
Kalemegdan Fortress
Walk the walls of this hilltop fortress where the Sava meets the Danube. Views over the confluence are the best in the city. Free to enter; the zoo and military museum charge.
Free
19:00
Dinner at Question Mark
The oldest kafana in Belgrade, near the Orthodox cathedral. It's tiny and always busy — go early or book. Order the mixed grill and local beer.
1500–2500 RSD
Day two
Central Belgrade on foot
A full day exploring the heart of the city on foot. Start at the main square and work your way through the pedestrian zone, then climb to the temple. In the afternoon, cross to New Belgrade for a different perspective, or stay in the old town for museums. The evening can be a splurge on a river barge or a quiet wine bar.
09:00
Trg Republike (Republic Square)
The meeting point of Belgrade. The National Museum and National Theatre face the square. It's a good place to get your bearings and buy a SIM card if needed.
Free
10:00
Knez Mihailova Street
The main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes and historic buildings. Walk it slowly, duck into courtyards, and note the architecture from the 19th century.
Free
11:30
St. Michael's Cathedral
Serbian Orthodox cathedral with a richly decorated interior. The Patriarchate and the oldest school in Belgrade are next door. Modest dress required.
Free
13:00
Lunch at Disko Karavan
A casual spot near the cathedral for modern Serbian food. Try the pulled pork or a burger. Vegetarian options available.
800–1200 RSD
15:00
Church of Saint Sava
One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The crypt is covered in mosaics. Climb the dome for a panoramic view (small fee). Take trolleybus 21 or 22 from Slavija Square.
Free; dome 300 RSD
18:00
Ada Ciganlija or Zemun
If it's hot, head to Ada Ciganlija, the city's lake-beach. For something quieter, go to Zemun, the old Austro-Hungarian quarter by the Danube, and walk the quay.
Free
Getting there and back
By car or by bus
The journey between Timișoara and Belgrade is manageable for a weekend. Driving gives you flexibility, but buses are cheap and frequent. The border can be the slowest part, so plan around peak times. Here's what you need to know.
By car
Route and tolls
Take the E70 from Timișoara to the border at Srpska Crnja, then continue on the Serbian side via Zrenjanin and Pančevo to Belgrade. The road is mostly two-lane; allow 3 to 4 hours including border. Tolls on the Serbian motorway are around 300 RSD.
Toll ~300 RSD; fuel ~150 lei
By bus
Direct coaches
Several companies run direct buses from Timișoara's Autogara to Belgrade's BAS station. Journey time is 3.5 to 4 hours, including border. Book in advance for Friday departures. Tickets cost around 100 lei one way.
100–120 lei one way
Border
Documents and queues
You need a passport (or ID card for EU citizens) valid for at least three months beyond your stay. Green card insurance is required for cars. Queues are worst on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings; aim for mid-morning or late evening crossings.
Free
Local transport
Trams and buses
In Belgrade, trams, trolleybuses and buses use the BusPlus card. Buy a day ticket for 290 RSD or a single ride for 150 RSD. Taxis are cheap but use apps like CarGo or Yandex to avoid overcharging.
150–290 RSD
Where to stay
Accommodation in Belgrade
Belgrade has a wide range of places to stay, from hostels to boutique hotels. For a weekend, the old town (Stari Grad) is the most convenient. New Belgrade is cheaper but less atmospheric. Book ahead for summer weekends, when the city hosts festivals.
Budget
Hostels and guesthouses
Hostel Cheers and Hostel Bongo are central and friendly. Expect dorm beds from 15–20 EUR per night. Private rooms in guesthouses start at 30 EUR.
€15–40
Mid-range
Boutique hotels
Hotel Indigo and Hotel Constantine the Great are well-located. Expect modern rooms, breakfast included, for 60–90 EUR per night. Book directly for better rates.
€60–90
Splurge
Luxury stays
Hotel Moskva is a historic landmark on Terazije. Square Nine and Saint Ten are design-conscious options. Rates from 150 EUR per night, often with spa access.
€150+
Location
Which area to choose
Stari Grad (Old Town) puts you within walking distance of most sights. Vračar is quieter and near St. Sava. New Belgrade is convenient for the bus station but requires transport to the centre.
Varies
Practicalities
Money, language, safety
Serbia uses the dinar, not the euro, though some tourist places accept euros. ATMs are plentiful. English is widely spoken by younger people. Belgrade is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowds. Here are the basics.
Currency
Dinar and cards
The Serbian dinar (RSD) is the local currency. Exchange at banks or official exchange offices; avoid street traders. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and small kafanas.
1 EUR ≈ 117 RSD
Language
Useful phrases
Serbian uses the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. A few words go a long way: 'hvala' (thank you), 'molim' (please), 'zdravo' (hello). English is common in central Belgrade.
Free
Safety
Common sense
Belgrade is safe for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like Knez Mihailova and on public transport. Avoid unlicensed taxis. In case of emergency, dial 192 for police, 194 for ambulance.
Free
Connectivity
SIM and Wi-Fi
Buy a local SIM from Telenor, VIP or MTS for around 300 RSD with data. Most cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Roaming charges from EU may apply; check your provider.
300 RSD
What three days cost, per person
Return bus ticket 200–240 lei Accommodation (2 nights) €120–180 Meals and drinks €40–70 Local transport 600 RSD Entry fees 500 RSD Two people sharing a €55 double, eating where locals eat, one theatre ticket each. September 2026.Next
The Bega river by bike
A flat, paved half-day ride along the Bega with two swim stops and a cold drink at the turn-around.
Hiking in Caraș-Severin Hills
Walk the limestone gorges and beech ridges of southwest Romania, using trains and buses from Timișoara.
The Banat Village Museum with Kids
A gentle, practical route through the open-air museum for families, ending in the forest park next door.
Sleep in Cetate, wake up in the squares
Median €55 midweek, September 2026. Nobody pays to be on this list.