Most Belgrade guides begin and end in the old town — Kalemegdan, Skadarlija, Knez Mihailova. New Belgrade usually gets mentioned only as "the other side of the river". Yet that's exactly where many guests end up staying, because it's quieter, more orderly and closer to the airport.
As hosts who welcome guests in New Belgrade itself, here's an honest guide: what this part of the city is, what's worth seeing, how quickly you reach the centre and the airport, and who it suits most.
In short: New Belgrade is the modern, quieter part of the city on the left bank of the Sava, closest to Nikola Tesla Airport and the fairgrounds. It lacks the old architecture of the core, but it has space, easier parking, large shopping centres and a fast link to the centre (about 15 minutes). It's ideal for couples, business guests and travellers in transit — and for a night out in the old quarter you just cross a bridge.
What New Belgrade is — the modern heart of the city
New Belgrade isn't just "the other side of the river." It's the city's largest municipality and its business heart — home to company headquarters, banks, hotels, the fairground and the two largest arenas. Built after the Second World War on the left bank of the Sava, it offers a completely different story from the old core: instead of narrow cobbled streets, wide boulevards, green blocks and glass towers.
And it's no "city without a soul," as it's sometimes called — New Belgrade has its own strong culture. Its modernist architecture is internationally admired today (Yugoslav modernism was even the subject of an exhibition at New York's MoMA), and the unmistakable Genex Tower (the "Western City Gate") stands as its icon much as Kalemegdan does for the old town. Life in the blocks — with shared courtyards, greenery and playgrounds — is a way of life that generations of Belgraders call home.
Beyond that, the area is full of life: parks and landscaped corners, the Sava promenade, cafés and coffee shops on every corner, large shopping malls. And for those seeking prestige, there's Bežanijska kosa — one of the most sought-after and prestigious residential addresses in the city.
For a visitor, all this also brings practical advantages: more quiet, fewer crowds, more often free parking, and easy orientation thanks to the regular street grid. And when you crave the cobblestones and bohemia of the old town — it's just one bridge away.
Getting to the centre and the airport
New Belgrade's biggest practical advantage is its position — between the airport and the centre.
- To Nikola Tesla Airport: just 10–15 minutes by car (the airport is in neighbouring Surčin). That's why it's a favourite for early flights, late arrivals and transit — you don't lose an hour in city traffic getting to the runway.
- To the centre: about 15 minutes across the Branko or Gazela bridge. Numerous bus and tram lines connect the blocks with Terazije, Zeleni venac and Slavija — and city transport is free.
- To Zemun: along the riverside walking-and-cycling path or a short drive — the Zemun quay and Gardoš are right next to New Belgrade.
If you're travelling by car, New Belgrade is also the easiest to enter and park in, making it a handy base for exploring greater Belgrade and beyond.
What to see and do
New Belgrade isn't a museum core, but it has its worthwhile spots:
- Ušće — where the Sava flows into the Danube, with a large park (Friendship Park), a promenade and one of the finest views of Kalemegdan and the old skyline.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) — in the park at Ušće, one of the most important art collections in the region, in a distinctive modernist building.
- Štark Arena and Sava Centar — the largest halls for concerts, sport and congresses; if you're coming for an event, it's probably right here.
- Shopping centres — Ušće and other large malls bring shopping, cinemas and restaurants together in one place, handy in bad weather.
- Riverside and the blocks — the quay along the Sava, green blocks and open spaces are ideal for running, cycling and a quiet walk away from the city bustle.
And for all the "postcard" sights — Kalemegdan, Skadarlija, Knez Mihailova — you just cross a bridge and you're in the heart of the old town within fifteen minutes.
Where to stay in New Belgrade (and who it suits)
New Belgrade especially suits you if you're:
- a couple wanting a quiet, private stay without night-time noise from a café below the window;
- a business guest needing quiet, good internet and proximity to the fairground/airport;
- a traveller in transit with an early or late flight, to whom every minute saved to the airport matters;
- a family that appreciates space, parking and green blocks.
When choosing a specific place, the same rules apply as everywhere — check the exact location, the noise, the total price and whether the host registers guests legally. We covered all of that in detail in our guide on how to choose an apartment in Belgrade.
Our BORDO apartments are located right in New Belgrade, just minutes from the airport, with private parking and contactless arrival with no upper time limit — so even after the latest flight you arrive without worry.
Practical tips
- Parking: far easier in New Belgrade than in the centre; many places offer a free spot. If you're arriving by car, that's a strong argument for this side of the river.
- Quiet: the blocks are mostly residential and calm in the evening — good for sleep, but check you're not right next to a boulevard if you're sensitive to traffic.
- Food: from river bars and large malls to neighbourhood restaurants in the blocks — the choice is wide and more affordable than in the tourist core.
- Combine both sides: stay in the quiet of New Belgrade and plan your sightseeing and nights out in the old town — the bridge is a matter of minutes.
Conclusion
New Belgrade isn't a postcard from Kalemegdan, but for many visitors it's the more practical choice: quiet, space, easy parking and the fastest link to the airport, with the old town within a bridge's reach. If you value calm and good logistics over sleeping above a tavern — this is your side of the river.
Planning a stay right here? Check the available dates at the BORDO apartments and get in touch directly.